The top defender is now left to tackle his injury! Tough break for the Cowboys as DaRon Bland is out for 6-8 weeks with a stress fracture in his foot, requiring surgery. Ouch! Especially when you consider his numbers: nine interceptions last season and an NFL record with five returned for touchdowns. But his luck ran out at the end of training camp in Oxnard on Saturday. What’s worse is that the tests revealed the fracture would likely sideline the Pro Bowl corner for two months. Yet, Jerry Jones isn’t sweating it much. Why? Maybe Caelen Carson has something to do with that calmness.

On August 24th, per DallasCowboys.com reporter Nick Harris, Jerry Jones reassured fans, saying, “We liked a lot what we saw from the people that will replace him… We’ll see him [DaRon] again after four or five weeks into the season.” But Caelen Carson? Yup, Jones is glad that he is a Cowboy: “He earned that pick and then some even before the injury to Bland.”

That’s good to have faith in your players. But how big is DaRon Bland’s loss, really? Well, let’s just take you on a quick time travel in the past to show why this cornerback is grabbing headlines. And mind you, it’s not ‘all of a sudden’ as it might seem. The guy in focus is a fifth-round gem from 2022. Or how NFL.com saw him as a guy with potential who “has the physical tools for safety consideration if he can charge up his tackle toughness.” And boy, he did!

He transformed into a turnover machine, snatching 14 interceptions in just two seasons. And not to forget his record from the last season that we mentioned. In simple words, Bland was the man who stepped up when Trevon Diggs went down, turning a potential disaster into a showcase of his own skills. Picture him as the defensive ace in a game of high stakes. His absence surely leaves a gaping hole.

So, was Jerry Jones really masking the truth? That’s up for debate. But that’s Jones for you. With Bland’s stellar stats, you can bet Jones is feeling the heat, even if he’s playing it cool. He wrapped up the update with, “The good news is he’ll be here for, let’s say, the vital games of the year.” But who will step up and become the new defensive fortress for America’s Team until those “vital” games actually roll around?

DaRon Bland’s absence brings a chance to shine for Caelen Carson

With DaRon out and veteran Stephon Gilmore now in Minnesota, the Cowboys are in scramble mode. Hanging in there by the “it’s not over until it’s over” mentality. But fear not, it seems, Jerry Jones has the answers as he has made it clear that the Fifth-round rookie Caelen Carson is in good shape to scramble Dallas out of this situation. And if Jones is to be believed, the young CB just might come in clutch.

Per NFL.com, “Carson’s game is most suitable for press-man and Cover 2 looks.” He’s got the physical tools, but his game still needs some polishing. Why? With fewer snaps than some of the guys in the position, Carson’s instincts and break anticipation are still in the development stage. Yet, he’s known for using his physicality to disrupt routes and contest catches—key traits that could just prove essential in turning the tide in the first few weeks of Bland’s absence.

But here’s the reality check: Carson’s resume is still building. After 42 tackles in his junior season at Wake Forest, he’s now in the ‘pro land’. However, the first snaps in the regular season might come too soon for the rookie. So, if Dallas wants to explore trades or free-agent signings—now is the time! Until then, all the spotlight squares on Carson.

It’s like the dominos were set, with DaRon Bland as the lead. Now that he’s down, can Carson be the chain-breaker the Cowboys desperately need? The pressure is on, and the clock’s ticking. The only thing that remains now is the first whistle. After that, there’s no looking back.

Love insights? Then this one’s for you. Don’t miss our latest episode of the Dual Threat Show with BG12 as Chris Gronkowski took us behind the scenes of his NFL journey. It’s a conversation you do not get to hear every day.