DaRon Bland Injury News & Updates

Bland totaled 10 tackles and two defensed passes Monday in a 33-16 victory over the Raiders.

Bland was the Cowboys' leading tackler in the win. He's reached double-digit stops in each of his past two games sandwiched around a Week 10 bye. Bland also notched two defensed passes Monday, doubling his previous total for the campaign.

Bland logged 14 tackles (six solo) in Dallas' loss to the Cardinals on Monday.

Bland's 14 tackles were not only the most on the team but also served as a new season-high total for the 26-year-old. He will look to build on this strong performance and keep producing during Dallas' Week 11 matchup versus the Raiders following the team's upcoming bye.

Bland recorded seven tackles (three solo) during Dallas' loss to Denver on Sunday.

Bland has now racked up five or more tackles in all but one of his last five regular-season appearances. The every-down cornerback will work to keep up his momentum at home against the Cardinals on Monday Night Football in Week 9. Across six regular-season appearances on the year, Bland has tallied 32 tackles (22 solo) and one pass defensed, a pick-six he recorded Week 7 versus Washington.

Bland recorded seven tackles (five solo) and returned an interception 68 yards for a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Commanders.

With the Cowboys already ahead 34-15 in the third quarter and Jayden Daniels (hamstring) out of the game, Bland stepped in front of a desperation toss into the flat by Marcus Mariota and took it to the house. It was the 15th career INT and the sixth career pick-six for Bland after his NFL-record five in 2023, and the surest sign yet that the fourth-year cornerback is fully healthy after batting a foot injury last season and a shoulder issue to begin 2025.

Bland (shoulder) is active for Sunday's Week 6 game against the Panthers, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland was questionable entering the weekend due to a shoulder injury, but he's good to go against Carolina. The fourth-year cornerback is coming off a season-high seven tackles in Week 5 versus the Jets. Fellow starting cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) is also active for Sunday's contest.

Bland, who is officially questionable for Sunday's matchup versus Carolina due to a shoulder injury, is in line to suit up, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Bland dealt with a shoulder issue throughout the week and logged a trio of limited practices. However, it appears that the injury won't keep him out of action against the Panthers. The same can be said of fellow cornerback Trevon Diggs, who is dealing with a knee issue but is also slated to suit up, per Rapoport.

Bland (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

Bland has been limited in practice all week due to a shoulder injury that he likely picked up during the Cowboys' Week 5 win over the Jets. Bland and Trevon Diggs (knee) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's contest, and their absences would open the door for more snaps at outside corner for Kaiir Elam, Trikweze Bridges and C.J. Goodwin.

Bland (shoulder) logged a limited practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Bland has now opened the week with back-to-back limited practices due to an apparent shoulder injury, which he likely sustained in the team's Week 5 win over the Jets. The cornerback will have one more chance to log a full practice Friday before Sunday's contest against the Panthers.

Bland was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Bland played 70 snaps on defense during the Cowboys' Week 5 win over the Jets and finished with seven tackles (six solo). He may have picked up a shoulder injury in the process, which limited his practice participation Wednesday. Bland's practice participation over the next two days will shed light on his chances of playing against the Panthers on Sunday.

Bland recorded seven tackles (six solo) during Sunday's 37-22 win against the Jets.

Bland played a season-high 70 defensive snaps in Week 5, which led to him posting his highest tackle total of the campaign so far. Big tackle numbers aren't normally a big part of his game though, keeping him from being an IDP consideration in most formats going into a Week 6 contest at Carolina.

Bland (foot) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Bland is on track to return from a two-game absence due to a foot sprain that he suffered in practice ahead of the Cowboys' Week 2 clash against the Giants. The Cowboys' secondary appears to be getting healthier with Bland, Trevon Diggs (knee), and rookie seventh-rounder Trikweze Bridges (knee) all trending towards playing Sunday against the Packers.

Bland (foot) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

A foot injury has prevented Bland from playing in the Cowboys' last two games, but Todd Archer of ESPN.com relayed Tuesday that the 2022 fifth-rounder is trending towards a Week 4 return against the Packers. Bland will have two more opportunities to upgrade to a full practice participant heading into Sunday's tilt.

Bland (foot) is on track to play against the Packers in Week 4, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland has missed the Cowboys' last two games due to a foot injury that he suffered in Week 1. There's optimism that the 2022 fifth-rounder could return this Sunday, and his practice participation over the coming week will indicate his chances of returning. Bland's return would be a welcome one for a Cowboys' defense that has been gashed by the Giants and Bears over the last two weeks.

Bland (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bears, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Bland didn't practice at all this week and will miss his second straight game after he was injured in practice last week. Kaiir Elam and Reddy Steward are in line to see increased reps in the secondary for the second straight week.

Bland (foot) did not practice Wednesday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Bland originally suffered the injury following Dallas' Week 1 loss, and the expectation was that he could miss multiple weeks. It doesn't come as a big surprise that he didn't take the field Wednesday as a result, though he'll have two more chances to get some level of practice in prior to the team's Week 3 matchup against the Bears.

Bland (foot) won't play Sunday against the Giants, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Friday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Bland is viewed as week-to-week due to a foot sprain, so it's not surprising that he'll miss at least one game due to the injury. Schottenheimer noted that the Cowboys will use safeties to help out in Bland's usual nickel cornerback role, which could mean more playing time for reserve safeties Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell in Dallas' depleted secondary.

The Cowboys are viewing Bland as week-to-week after he sustained a right foot sprain Monday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Bland made it through last Thursday's 24-20 loss to the Eagles unscathed, but he sustained the foot injury during an unofficial practice Monday while the Cowboys began preparing for this Sunday's game against the Giants. Due to the longer turnaround for the Week 2 contest, the Cowboys haven't yet ruled Bland out from playing Sunday, but given that he's still sporting a protective boot on his foot as of Thursday, the slot corner looks like a longshot to suit up this weekend. Assuming Bland ends up sitting out against the Giants, Reddy Steward would be the next man up to replace him, and the Cowboys would likely elevate Zion Childress from the practice squad to bolster their depth in the defensive backfield.

Bland may miss a few weeks due to a right foot injury that he suffered in Monday's unofficial practice, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland's 2024 debut was delayed to Week 12 due to a stress fracture in his left foot, but he was able to play 100 percent of the snaps in four of seven regular-season games down the stretch on his way to 41 tackles, five pass defenses, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He proceeded to play all 63 defensive snaps in last Thursday's loss at Philadelphia, tallying three tackles in the process. With a new foot injury in tow and no practice Wednesday, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bland's immediate status is up in the air as Dallas prepares for Sunday's matchup with the Giants.

Bland recorded three tackles in Thursday's 24-20 loss to the Eagles.

Bland was one of five Cowboys' defenders to play 100 percent of snaps, including Kaair Elam. Bland nearly evenly split his work between the slot and a traditional wide corner alignment, while Trevon Diggs was in a part-time role as he ramps up from a knee injury. Bland should retain a full snap count even once Diggs is fully back in the mix, potentially playing even more often in the slot.

Bland and the Cowboys have agreed to a four-year, $92 million contract extension that includes $50 million in guaranteed money, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Though a foot injury limited Bland to only seven games last season, considerable shine remains from his historic 2023 campaign during which he registered an NFL record five pick-sixes among his nine interceptions. Bland will now likely be a Cowboy for the considerable future, and the $23 million average annual salary on the extension makes him the sixth-highest-paid cornerback in the league, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Bland (personal) returned to Dallas' practice Monday, Todd Archer of ESPN reports

Bland missed the start of training camp to attend the birth of his son but is now back with the Cowboys. The 26-year-old did not go through team drills during Monday's session but should be a full participant within the coming days.

Bland is away from training camp to attend the birth of his child, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

The cornerback should be back in plenty of time to get up to speed before Week 1. Bland is set to begin the 2025 as the Cowboys' top coverage option in the secondary as Trevon Diggs works his way back from knee surgery.

Bland finished the 2024 season with 41 tackles (29 solo), five passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across seven games.

Bland was limited to just seven games in 2024 due to a foot injury, registering 41 stops, his lowest total in three seasons with the Cowboys. Additionally, after recording 14 interceptions between his first two seasons in the NFL, Bland was unable to secure an interception this season. The cornerback will look to get back on track in 2025, likely starting opposite of Trevon Diggs (knee) again in the Cowboys' secondary.

Bland registered six tackles (four solo) and one pass defense during Sunday's 41-7 loss to the Eagles.

It was a rough day defensively for the Cowboys, but Bland managed to finish tied with Andrew Booth for the third-most tackles on Dallas behind Malik Hooker and Eric Kendricks (nine each). Bland has logged at least five tackles in five of six games and is up to 34 tackles (22 solo), five pass defenses, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Bland appears to be fully recovered from the stress fracture in his left foot that forced him to miss the first 10 games of the regular season. He'll try to register his first interception of the year against the Commanders next Sunday.

Bland registered eight tackles (seven solo), one pass defense, and recovered a fumble that he forced in Sunday's 26-24 win over Tampa Bay.

Bland made the play of the game late in the fourth quarter, when he ripped the ball out of Rachaad White's hands with 1:40 left in the fourth quarter, which allowed the Cowboys to kneel out the clock and secure the victory. Bland has played every single defensive snap over the Cowboys' last three games, and in the five games since being activated off IR due to a foot injury, he has registered 28 tackles (18 solo), four pass defenses, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Bland (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's NFC East showdown against the Giants, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Bland was limited during the Cowboys' two walkthroughs earlier this week, but he was able to participate in Wednesday's practice without restriction and is good to play Thursday. After missing the Cowboys' first 10 games of the regular season due to a foot injury he suffered in training camp, Bland returned for Week 12 against the Commanders this past Sunday and finished with six tackles (three solo) while playing 55 snaps on defense.

Bland (foot) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Commanders, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Bland practiced in full all week and is now in line to make his 2024 debut Sunday after missing Dallas' first 10 games this season due to a foot injury sustained in late August. The third-year corner from Fresno State earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023, recording 69 total tackles and 15 passes defended, including nine interceptions (and five pick-sixes) across 17 regular-season games. If Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) is able to suit up in Week 12, the Cowboys will have their top outside cornerback duo for the first time this season.

Bland (foot) was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Up until Wednesday, Bland had not been able to participate in practice since his 21-day window to return from injured reserve opened Oct. 30. Granted, Wednesday's session was a walkthrough as the Cowboys played Monday night, but if Bland is able to practice in at least a limited capacity Thursday and Friday, he would be in a good spot to make his 2024 regular-season debut against the Commanders on Sunday.

Bland (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Houston, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Despite having his 21-day window to return from injured reserve open Oct. 30, Bland has been unable to participate in practice. His next chance to play would be Week 12 against the Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 24, but if he's not activated off IR by Nov. 20, the 2022 fifth-round pick would be forced to sit out for the rest of the 2024 regular season.

Bland (foot) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's injury report, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Bland's 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve opened Oct. 30, but the 2022 fifth-round pick has failed to return to practice since. If he's not activated off IR by Nov. 20, Bland would be forced to spend the rest of the 2024 regular season on IR. At this point, it appears unlikely that he will be able to play against the Texans on Monday.

Bland (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Eagles, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Bland has yet to practice since being activated to the Cowboys' active roster Oct. 30 as he continues to recover from a stress fracture in his left foot. Caelen Carson and C.J. Goodwin will likely continue seeing increased work with the Cowboys' first-team secondary until Bland can return to the field.

Bland (foot) was listed as a DNP on the Cowboys' injury report Wednesday, Joe Hoyt of AllDLLS.com reports.

Although Bland was activated off injured reserve Oct. 30, he has yet to return to practice while recovering from a stress fracture in his left foot that he sustained in training camp. Even if he's able to practice in a limited capacity this week, it appears the 2022 fifth-round pick is unlikely to play against the Eagles on Sunday.

Bland (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

The third-year corner from Fresno State was activated from injured reserve Wednesday; however, it appears that his foot issue is still bothering him enough to miss the Cowboys' Week 9 contest. Bland's 2024 debut will have to wait at least one more week, with Andrew Booth and Caelen Carson expected to see increased work in the Cowboys' secondary in Bland's stead.

Bland (foot) did not practice Wednesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland began the regular season on injured reserve due to a stress fracture in his left foot that he sustained during training camp. His 21-day practice window to return from IR opened Oct. 9, but despite not being able to practice, the Cowboys activated the 2022 fifth-round pick from injured reserve Wednesday. Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Wednesday that Bland is working with the rehab group this week, which could mean that he will be sidelined for Sunday's game against Atlanta.

Bland (foot) was activated from injured reserve Wednesday, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Bland's move to the active roster comes as his 21-day window was set to close as he was designated to return from IR on Oct. 9. However, according to Hill, the Fresno State product did not practice and was working with the rehab group, so it's not clear what his status may be for Week 9 against the Falcons.

Bland (foot) is out for Sunday's matchup against the 49ers, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland was unable to practice this entire week, making his inactive status not much of a surprise as Dallas travels to San Francisco. The 6-foot cornerback is nearing the end of his 21-day evaluation window, meaning the Cowboys will have to decide by Monday whether to move him to the active roster or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Bland (foot) was listed as a DNP on the Cowboys' injury report Wednesday.

Bland's 21-day practice window opened Oct. 9, and he started that week out strong with two consecutive full practices. However, he was downgraded to a DNP for the last session of the week and was unable to suit up against the Lions in Week 6. Despite Dallas coming off a Week 7 bye, Bland's DNP to start the week doesn't bode well for his chances of being activated off injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers, but he'll have a chance to return to practice Thursday or Friday. Bland has to be activated off IR before Oct. 30, otherwise the All-Pro cornerback would be forced to sit out for the rest of the 2024 campaign.

Bland (foot) will not be activated off IR this weekend, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland has yet to play this season after suffering a stress fracture in his left foot near the end of training camp. He had his practice window opened this past Wednesday and logged a full practice both Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday. The decision not to activate Bland for Week 6 against Detroit may be centered on the Cowboys having a Week 7 bye, which will give the cornerback an extra week to ramp up. There's a good chance he'll be ready to return Week 8 for a matchup with the 49ers.

Bland (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Lions, Patrik Walker of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Bland was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and logged two consecutive full practices. However, the All-Pro cornerback downgraded to a DNP on Friday, suggesting that he's trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's contest. Bland still must be activated to Dallas' active roster in order to suit up in Week 6. If he's unable to go, expect Caelen Carson (shoulder) or C.J. Goodwin to line up opposite Trevon Diggs.

Bland (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Bland was placed on injured reserve at the conclusion of training camp due to a stress fracture in his left foot. Jon Machota of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't expect Bland to play in Week 6 against the Lions. However, Bland's full participation in Wednesday's practice indicates that the 2022 fifth-round pick could make his regular-season debut Sunday, barring any setbacks. In 2023, Bland led the NFL with nine interceptions, and his five pick-sixes were an NFL single-season record.

Dallas opened Bland's (foot) 21-day practice window to return from its injured reserve list Wednesday.

Bland has missed the first five games of the year as he's been recovering from a surgery he underwent before the regular season began, but it looks like he could finally be on his way back to action. If the Cowboys don't activate him within the next 21 days, however, he'd have to spend the rest of the year on their injured reserve list.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that he didn't expect Bland (foot) to play in Week 6, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Bland has been on Dallas' injured reserve list since the beginning of the season due to a stress fracture in his left foot, and it seems like he'll probably need to take at least one more game off before he's able to get back onto the field. In the meantime, 2022 second-rounder Andrew Booth could continue to see more work.

The Cowboys placed Bland (foot) on injured reserve Tuesday, with a designation to return.

Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports that Bland had surgery on his foot Monday and is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks, which suggest he'll be back at some point in October or early November. The 25-year-old had a remarkable 2023 campaign, setting a single-season record for pick-sixes (five) while leading the league with nine interceptions.

Bland has a stress fracture in his foot that will require surgery, and he is expected to miss the next 6-to-8 weeks, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Bland first began experiencing foot discomfort last Wednesday and consequently underwent imaging. The tests revealed a stress fracture, and the surgery to repair the injury will likely keep him out of action until at least early October. Bland was set to start at cornerback this season after establishing an NFL record with five pick-sixes among his league-leading nine interceptions over 17 regular-season contests in his sophomore campaign last year. The 25-year-old will likely be replaced as a starter at the beginning of the season by either Caelen Carson or Andrew Booth.

Bland recorded 69 tackles (53 solo) and added a league-high nine interceptions -- including an NFL record five pick-sixes -- on 15 passes defended over 17 regular-season games in 2023.

The Cowboys lost Trevon Diggs in Week 2 to ACL surgery, forcing Bland into the top coverage corner role on the defense, but the 2022 fifth-round pick thrived with the additional responsibilities. Diggs should be healthy to begin 2024, but the ball-hawking reputations of both CBs could be put to the test if defensive coordinator Dan Quinn leaves in the offseason, forcing Bland to learn a new scheme for the first time in his career.

Bland recorded three tackles (two solo) and intercepted his ninth pass of the season in Sunday's win over the Commanders.

The nine picks led the NFL, but Bland fell a little short in his quest to challenge the Cowboys' franchise record of 11, set by Everson Walls in 1981 and tied by Trevon Diggs (knee) in 2021. Diggs played only 98 snaps this season before needing surgery to repair a torn ACL, but he should be fully recovered to begin the 2024 campaign, giving Dallas two of the preeminent ballhawks in the league in its secondary.

Bland tallied six tackles (five solo) and one interception in Thursday's 41-35 Week 13 win over Seattle.

Bland had a few deep passes completed against him, but he also picked off Geno Smith in the third quarter on a pass intended for Tyler Lockett. The interception was Bland's league-leading eighth of the campaign, five of which he's returned for a touchdown. He's recorded exactly one pickoff in each of his past four contests.

Bland registered 10 tackles (seven solo) and returned an interception for a touchdown Thursday in a 45-10 victory versus Washington.

When Bland picked off Sam Howell and returned the ball 63 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, he became the single-season NFL record holder with five pick-sixes on the campaign. He also leads the league with seven total interceptions and has defensed six other passes for good measure. Considering his record-breaking campaign, Bland should receive some considering for DPOY at the end of the regular season.

Bland recorded five tackles an an interception that he returned for a 30-yard touchdown in Sunday's 33-10 win over the Panthers.

The second-year cornerback was only a fifth-round pick in the 2022 Draft, but Bland has quickly emerged as the league's preeminent ballhawk. Sunday's pick-six was his fourth of the season, tying the NFL record last matched by the Eagles' Eric Allen in 1993, and he's also chipped in two other INTs this year that he didn't manage to take back to the house. Those four touchdowns stand in contrast to the one he's allowed in coverage on 42 pass attempts.

Bland recorded four tackles (three solo) and an interception in Sunday's 49-17 rout of the Giants.

The Cowboys dominated play to such an extent Sunday that Bland's four tackles actually tied for the team lead, as the defense was simply never on the field until the fourth quarter, when the backups got some extra run. The second-year cornerback had five INTs through nine games in 2023 -- one back of league leader Geno Stone -- and an incredible 10 in his first 26 NFL games, and quarterbacks have completed an eye-popping 35.0 percent of pass attempts with Bland in coverage. The Fresno State product, taken with the 167th overall pick, has emerged as one of the steals of the 2022 draft.

Bland recorded a team-high seven tackles (six solo) and defended two passes, including one he intercepted and returned for a 30-yard touchdown in Sunday's win over the Rams.

The 2022 fifth-round pick is having an incredible season and has picked off four passes in seven games, returning three of them for TDs -- the NFL record for pick-sixes in a season is four, a mark most recently reached by the Eagles' Eric Allen in 1993. Bland's also been outstanding when he hasn't been ball-hawking, and QBs have a woeful 33.3 percent completion rate (9-for-27) when throwing into his coverage.

Bland recorded four tackles (three solo) and three passes defended including two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 54-yard touchdown, in Sunday's 38-3 rout of the Patriots.

Amazingly, Bland's pick-six against Mac Jones just before halftime was the Cowboys' second defensive TD of the second quarter, and well as being the cornerback's second touchdown of the season. Bland is quickly proving his aptitude for ballhawking as a rookie was no fluke -- after grabbing five INTs in 17 games last season, he already has three in four games to begin 2023.

Bland recorded three tackles and returned an interception 22 yards for his first career NFL touchdown in Sunday's 40-0 win over the Giants.

After snagging five picks as a rookie last year, Bland quickly proved that performance was no fluke to kick off the 2023 campaign. With the Giants already reeling after seeing a field-goal attempt blocked and returned for a Noah Igbinoghene TD on their first possession, Trevon Diggs laid a big hit on Saquon Barkley after a short pass that caused the ball to pop into the air, and Bland swooped in to catch it and return it to the house. The Dallas defense looks like it could be a fantasy monster this season, but Bland should have some deep-league IDP value on his own.

Bland recorded 54 tackles (38 solo) with five interceptions on seven passes defended across 17 regular-season games in 2022.

An unheralded fifth-round pick out of Fresno State in the 2022 NFL Draft, Bland played exclusively on special teams for the first three games of the season until injuries began to open up snaps for him on defense. The 23-year-old cornerback seized his first opportunity by intercepting Carson Wentz in Week 4, and by the second half of the year he was a fixture in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's secondary, grabbing four picks in a four-game stretch between Weeks 13 and 16. Bland also made an impact in the playoffs with 18 tackles in the Cowboys' two postseason contests. Trevon Diggs is locked into one starting spot on the outside for Dallas, but Bland figures to head into 2023 either lined up opposite Diggs in place of free agent Anthony Brown (Achilles), or replacing Jourdan Lewis (foot) in the slot.

Bland (chest) was not listed on the Cowboys' injury report Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Bland was forced out with a chest injury during Dallas' regular-season finale against the Giants. However, the rookie cornerback appears to have quickly overcome this issue since then, so he should be ready to play in Monday's wild-card game against Tampa Bay.

Bland (chest) is expected to be fine for next Monday's playoff game against the Buccaneers, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Bland exited in the second half of Dallas' regular-season finale, but the rookie isn't expected to miss any additional time due to this injury. He will have some extra time to heal since Dallas plays in the final game on wild-card weekend, but it sounds like Bland would have been good to go regardless.

Bland suffered a chest injury during Sunday's 26-6 loss at Washington, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Before he departed in the second half, Bland tallied two tackles. With a wild-card matchup in Tampa Bay on tap, his status will be one to monitor this week to get a sense of his availability, or lack thereof, for that contest.

Bland recorded six tackles (four solo) and two passes defended, including his fourth interception of the season, in Sunday's overtime loss to the Jaguars.

The rookie fifth-round pick has proven to be an absolute steal in Dan Quinn's defense, and Bland's role in an injury-riddled secondary has grown as the season has worn on. Three of Bland's four INTs have come in the last three games, along with 20 of his 40 tackles on the year, and he could be a real IDP asset over the final few weeks.

Bland recorded six tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 27-23 win versus the Texans.

Bland continued to see an increased role in the Cowboys' secondary, which has been undermanned since veteran Jourdan Lewis went down with a season-ending Lisfranc injury Week 7. As a result, the rookie cornerback played 86 percent of defensive snaps for the third game in a row, and, while he didn't make as much of an impact in pass defense this time around, Bland still finished with his team's second-most tackles behind linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (12). Bland has now totaled 30 tackles, three passes defended and two interceptions over the last six games, and he should continue to slot into a starting role with Anthony Brown (Achilles) now out for the season as well.

Bland recorded eight tackles and two interceptions in Sunday's win over the Colts.

The rookie cornerback saw a career-high 60 snaps with Jourdan Lewis (foot) on IR and Anthony Brown suffering a torn Achilles in the third quarter, and Bland turned the increased opportunity into a massive IDP performance, showing impressive closing speed on both his picks. With Brown lost for the season, Bland and Kelvin Joseph will both see increased roles alongside Trevon Diggs in the Dallas secondary.

Bland saw snaps with the first-team defense in Thursday's joint practice against the Chargers and defended multiple passes, including grabbing an interception, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

The 2022 fifth-round pick also flashed in last Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos, and Machota suggests that Bland has improved every week in training camp. While Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown are locked in as Dallas' top two cornerbacks on the outside, Bland is making a play for the starting role in the slot -- a job he might have a better chance of winning if Jourdan Lewis (hamstring) remains sidelined through Week 1.

The Cowboys selected Bland in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 167th overall.

Bland was not invited to the combine, but the Fresno State product demonstrated standout athleticism in his pro day workout. He has long arms (32 inches) at 6-foot, 197 pounds, and he logged a 4.48 pro day 40. He'll try to make the roster as a depth corner for Dallas.