OXNARD, Calif. — DaRon Bland has spent the first three weeks of Dallas Cowboys training camp doing something he could not take for granted the previous two years. He has been practicing.
Bland has gone through the padded work in Oxnard without a physical limitation after undergoing a second surgery on his left foot in January. He has matched up with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Ryan Flournoy, breaking up passes against all three during camp.
The difference from a year ago is something Bland can feel when he puts his foot in the ground.
“I mean, [my foot is] a lot better now,” Bland said. “I don’t really feel like any aches or pains, just a little soreness here and there, but nothing major.”
DallasCowboys.com reported when camp opened that Bland had no physical limitations after spending much of the offseason program working with Cowboys director of rehab Britt Brown. Bland took part in stretch lines and some individual work during the spring but spent most of that period rehabbing. He returned as a full participant for the opening practice on July 29.
His latest surgery was performed Jan. 13 in Indianapolis by Dr. David Porter. It was Bland’s second procedure on the same foot in less than 18 months.
Bland said he notices the improvement when a route forces him to stop and drive.
“I’m definitely getting a lot more push now, getting on my break, so not worried about it,” Bland explained.
The Cowboys committed to Bland before his latest injury. Dallas signed him to a four-year, $92 million extension in August 2025, with $50 million guaranteed. The deal keeps him under contract through 2029.
DaRon Bland Is Chasing His 2023 Form
Bland does not have to look far back for the standard he is trying to reach.
In 2023, he intercepted 9 passes and led the NFL. Five went back for touchdowns, breaking the league’s single-season record for interception returns for scores.
Bland added 15 passes defensed and 69 tackles while playing all 17 games. He was named first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl.
“I mean, I think about it always, you know?” Bland said. “That’s probably one of my best years, so I’m really trying to just hone in on being back to myself and knowing what I could take the good and the bad from it.”
Staying on the field has been the problem since.
A stress fracture in Bland’s left foot during 2024 training camp required surgery and put him on injured reserve before the season. Dallas activated him in late October, and he played the final 7 games.
Another foot issue followed in 2025. Bland appeared in 12 games, recording 73 tackles and 1 interception before Dallas placed him on injured reserve in December. He had also missed Weeks 2 and 3 with an injury to his right foot. The January procedure followed after the season.
Across the past two seasons, Bland played 19 of a possible 34 regular-season games. He has 15 interceptions and 6 defensive touchdowns through 53 career games.
The Cowboys have seen a different player in Oxnard.
“They can tell the difference between last year and this year,” Bland said.
Dallas Cowboys Rebuilt The Cornerback Room Around Bland
Bland also returned to a different secondary. Dallas waived Trevon Diggs on Dec. 30. Green Bay claimed him the following day and released him in January. Diggs worked out for the Detroit Lions on Sunday but remains a free agent.
Bland is now one of the longest-tenured players in the Cowboys’ cornerback room.
Shavon Revel Jr. begins his second season following a rookie year in which he started 5 games. Dallas signed Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick in free agency and selected Devin Moore from Florida in the fourth round. Caelen Carson returns for his third season.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned before training camp that Bland and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku would be closely watched after spending most of the offseason recovering. However, neither player started camp on the physically unable to perform list.
Bland has instead been available from the opening practice forward. The scheme changed, too.
Dallas appointed Christian Parker as defensive coordinator in January following a record 511 points allowed last season. With most of his NFL coaching experience focusing on defensive backs, Parker’s first coordinator role was with the Cowboys. Additionally, Dallas added Derrick Ansley to manage the defensive backs and act as the defensive pass game coordinator. During camp, Parker said Ansley has played a key role in shaping the identity Dallas aims to develop in its secondary.
For Bland, the first part has simply been getting his body back to the point where he can work every day.
Dallas completed its joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday and returns to Oxnard for another open practice Thursday. The Cowboys open the preseason Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.
The regular season begins Sept. 13 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.
