Jerry Jones hopes to see one of his star players return this Sunday.
DaRon Bland has yet to play this season after suffering a stress fracture in his foot to end training camp. The Dallas Cowboys activated the All-Pro cornerback from the injured reserve on Oct. 30.
During a radio interview on 105.3 The Fan's K&C Masterpiece, Jones said Bland is trending toward playing against the Washington Commanders this weekend "unless something pops its head up in the next couple of days."
For the second straight day, Bland was a full practice participant on Thursday. Per The Athletic's Jon Machota, Bland told reporters he "definitely" feels more comfortable on his injured leg. Although the 25-year-old expects to play this season, he didn't specify if he'll return in Week 12.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy also avoided making any assurances when discussing Bland's recovery efforts.
"He's been pushing this thing for about four or five weeks ... We just want to make sure he's football ready, and that's obviously a challenge to do without being in pads," McCarthy said, per WFAA's Ed Werder.
With Trevon Diggs sidelined, Bland stepped up in his second year. He collected nine interceptions and set an NFL single-season record by returning five for touchdowns in 2023.
The Cowboys welcomed back Diggs but lost Bland this summer. They have also played the last six games without DeMarcus Lawrence, and Micah Parsons returned from a four-game absence in Week 10.
As a result, a unit that ranked fifth in yards and points allowed last season has fallen to 27th in total defense and 31st with 29.3 points allowed per game. Even with Parsons back, they've ceded 34 points apiece in blowout losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
Now 3-7 with Dak Prescott sidelined for the season, the Cowboys have little reason to rush back Bland unless he's 100 percent. Jones sounds more confident than everyone else that he'll play in Sunday's NFC East clash at Landover before Dallas hosts the New York Giants on Thanksgiving.
Related: Jerry Jones Seems To Have Already Made Decision On Deion Sanders