DaRon Bland among two Cowboys out for season; seven questionable vs. Chargers
The Dallas Cowboys are clinging to the smallest of chances of sneaking into the postseason (less than 1 percent odds), but they have been insistent this week on doing everything possible to win the remaining three games on their schedule, regardless of draft position or resting starters.
However, the team was dealt a blow to that agenda on Friday, as All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland will miss the remainder of the season with an injury to his left foot.
“This was a lingering one,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “At the end of the day, when we got it imaged, it was like, ‘OK, there’s something there.’ That’s why we’re doing it.”
Bland missed 10 games in 2024 after needing surgery on his fifth metatarsal in his left foot, the same foot that is giving him issues now. He has been recommended for surgery once again, but Bland is seeking a second opinion to see if that’s what he will need before returning to the field in 2026.
“It’s one of those things that happen with this type of procedure,” Schottenheimer said. “Talked to DaRon about it, obviously he’s disappointed. He won’t have a chance to finish the season with us, but we feel great that he’s going to recover and be fine.”
In addition, safety Juanyeh Thomas — who has been on the non-football injury (NFI) list since Nov. 11 with a lingering migraine issue — will also miss the remainder of the year, Schottenheimer announced Friday.
Trevon Diggs among seven questionable for Sunday
The Cowboys will wrap up their home schedule with a noon kickoff against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton will miss his fourth consecutive game with a high ankle sprain, as he’s officially been ruled out by the team.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and fullback Hunter Luepke are listed as questionable to play after suffering concussions in the team’s previous game last Sunday, but both are expected to play.
“I would say both guys are tracking positively for Sunday,” Schottenheimer said.
The team has to make a decision on cornerback Trevon Diggs on Saturday, as he will either need to be activated back onto the 53-man roster, or he will have to be reverted to the injured reserve list for the remainder of the season. With Bland expected to go on IR, the spot is available for Diggs if he finishes the practice week strong. He’s officially listed as questionable for Sunday.
“Diggs is having a very good week,” Schottenheimer said. “We’ll see how he does today. When you look at Trevon this week, what I’ve loved about him is he’s having fun playing football. He’s smiling and running around. To his credit, he’s having a really good week.”
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been dealing with an illness this week that kept him out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but he returned on Friday and is off the injury report.
“He’s been under the weather,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s been going through some of the walkthroughs and stuff like that, but he’s better. He’ll get some work [on Friday].”
Also listed as questionable, cornerback Josh Butler (knee), defensive lineman Payton Turner (ribs) and running back Phil Mafah (shoulder) are not expected to play. All three returned to practice for the first time this season on Wednesday.
Cornerback Caelen Carson is also listed as questionable with shoulder and hamstring injuries. According to a team source, he will be closer to a game-time decision.
This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM.
