In a season filled with ups and downs, the Dallas Cowboys are finally hitting their stride, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Fresh off a convincing 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025, the Cowboys have rattled off three straight wins, signaling a potential turnaround. But amid the celebrations, injury concerns loomed large—especially for star cornerback DaRon Bland, who appeared to aggravate a lingering foot issue during Thursday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, in a bombshell update that has fans breathing a sigh of relief, the team has delivered overwhelmingly positive news on Bland’s status, along with encouraging developments for fellow All-Pro Trevon Diggs.
A Defensive Renaissance in Big D
The Cowboys’ defense has been the story of the past few weeks, transforming from a liability into a force to be reckoned with. After a rocky start where they surrendered an average of 30.8 points per game over the first nine contests, Dallas has clamped down significantly. Since bolstering the unit with trade-deadline acquisitions—defensive lineman Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets and linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals—and welcoming back key starters like DeMarvion Overshown from injury, the Cowboys have limited opponents to just 21.7 points per game.
This resurgence was on full display against the Raiders, where the defense harassed quarterback Aidan O’Connell and stifled a potent Las Vegas offense. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when discussing the unit’s evolution. “I think you guys know what we’re capable of on offense,” Schottenheimer said in a recent press conference. “I think the defense, again, has just taken so many strides over the last couple of weeks. When I watch our defense play, man, I see violence, I see passion, I see everybody running to the football.”
He added, “I think it’s contagious and they feed off one another, and that’s a really good football team, a really good offense. They’ve got weapons everywhere, the quarterback, what can you say about him? But again, we’re playing with a bunch of confidence.” This “violence” Schottenheimer speaks of isn’t just rhetoric—it’s translating to wins and positioning the Cowboys as playoff contenders in a competitive NFC.
Injury Clouds Over the Secondary
Despite the overall defensive uptick, the cornerback position remains a point of vulnerability for Dallas. Rookies and returning players like Caelan Carson and Shavon Revel are stepping into larger roles amid injuries, while veterans DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs have battled setbacks that have hampered their performance.
Bland, in particular, sparked worry during the Chiefs game when he exited briefly, limping noticeably to avoid putting pressure on his foot. This is the same foot that required surgery last year, sidelining him for 10 games, and which he re-injured early this season. Fans held their breath as the All-Pro cornerback, known for his ball-hawking skills and league-leading interceptions in recent years, returned to the field but appeared limited.
Trevon Diggs, Bland’s counterpart and another cornerstone of the secondary, has endured an even more tumultuous campaign. Out since mid-October, Diggs first suffered a mysterious concussion at home just before the Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Compounding matters, it emerged that he was also dealing with complications from offseason knee surgery—though, in a bizarre twist, it was his opposite knee causing the issues. Diggs, a Pro Bowl talent with a knack for game-changing plays, has been sorely missed in a secondary that’s had to rely on unproven depth.
Bombshell Updates: Bland and Diggs on the Mend
On Friday, Cowboys fans received the good news they’d been waiting for. Coach Schottenheimer addressed the media and downplayed any long-term concerns about Bland’s foot. “The foot is fine,” he stated simply, putting to rest fears of a serious setback.
Corroborating this, Cowboys.com writer Patrik Walker took to Twitter/X with more details: “DaRon Bland had a bit of soreness in his foot, but the #Cowboys don’t have any concern about his availability for Week 14 vs. the Lions. Early Week 14 injury CB scoreboard: Trevon Diggs on track for possible return, Caelen Carson has solid odds.” This update suggests Bland will be ready to suit up for the crucial Thursday night clash against the Detroit Lions, providing a massive boost to the defense.
But the real shocker came from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who issued a surprise statement virtually guaranteeing Diggs’ return for the same Week 14 game. “Trevon is going to play,” Jones declared, emphasizing the cornerback’s progress toward full health. This bold proclamation is a game-changer, potentially reuniting Bland and Diggs—the dynamic duo that anchored Dallas’ secondary in previous seasons—for the first time in months.
If Diggs can shake off the rust and return to form, paired with a healthy Bland and the improving Carson, the Cowboys’ cornerback group could shift from a weakness to a strength overnight. Schottenheimer expressed optimism about the secondary’s trajectory, noting the unit’s growing cohesion amid the defensive surge.
Looking Ahead: Confidence Building in Dallas
As the Cowboys prepare for a short week leading into their primetime showdown with the Lions, the positive injury news couldn’t come at a better time. With the offense humming and the defense playing with the “violence” and passion Schottenheimer described, Dallas is building momentum at a critical juncture.
For a team that started the year with Super Bowl aspirations but stumbled early, this defensive turnaround—fueled by smart trades, returning talent, and now healthy All-Pros—feels like the spark they needed. If Bland and Diggs can stay on the field and perform at their elite levels, the Cowboys might just drop a few more bombshells on the rest of the league before the season’s end.
Stay tuned for more updates as Dallas eyes a deep playoff run. Go Cowboys!
