FRISCO — Cowboys starting cornerback DaRon Bland completed a major step in his return to the field when he practiced fully on Wednesday. Bland has missed the entire season while recovering from a fractured foot. Bland underwent surgery in late August and was taken off injured reserve last month. But the injury was supposed to take eight to ten weeks of recovery time.
During the sixth week, Bland was practicing but suffered soreness in his foot and the Cowboys had to slow his return to play.
But Wednesday’s events were deemed positive for a player who led the NFL in interceptions last season.
“DaRon, he’s, gosh we missed him,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “No. 1, it would be great to get him back out there, it’s been a tough return to play for him just hopeful he can cross that threshold and today was a big day to have him out there. Every injury is different and he’s the type, he’s going to do whatever he can to get out there. I’m just hopeful he can complete the process.”
The Cowboys received more good news when wide receiver Brandin Cooks was listed as being limited in practice. Cooks has dealt with knee issues from early in the season and was placed on injured reserve with minor ligament damage.
Cooks indicated he should play in Sunday’s game against Washington.
Cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who missed last week’s game with a neck injury, said he expects to play against the Commanders. Lewis said he’ll use bigger shoulder pads to protect the neck/shoulder area.
Safety Markquese Bell will miss the season with a left shoulder injury, suffered Monday night against the Texans. McCarthy said Bell will undergo surgery soon.
Tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion), fullback Hunter Luepke (calf), guard Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder), Tyler Smith (ankle/knee) and linebacker Nick Vigil (foot) didn’t practice on Wednesday.
Receiver CeeDee Lamb showed up on the injury report with a foot injury, which occurred against the Texans, but McCarthy didn’t seem too concerned about it.
“I think he’ll be okay,” McCarthy said.
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