DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland faces the possibility of surgery on the same foot that sidelined the 2023 All-Pro for 10 games last season, a person with knowledge of the injury said Thursday night.
A final decision on surgery hasn't been made as Bland seeks a second opinion, the person told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team wasn't releasing details of Bland's status.
Bland showed up on the injury report with a foot issue this week and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. Regardless of the decision on surgery, Bland's season is probably over with three games to go.
The Cowboys (6-7-1) are on the brink of playoff elimination with the Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) visiting Sunday. LA has a chance to clinch a postseason berth.
Bland set an NFL record two seasons ago by returning five interceptions for touchdowns but missed the first 10 games last year after surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot late in the preseason. Bland played the remaining seven games.
The 26-year-old missed two games early this season dealing with discomfort in his right foot. Bland signed a $92 million, four-year extension four days before the season started. The contract includes $50 million guaranteed.
Largely ignored out of high school before playing for Sacramento State and later Fresno State, Bland led the Cowboys with five interceptions as a rookie fifth-round pick in 2022.
Bland led the NFL with nine interceptions while setting his TD return record, giving him 14 picks over two seasons. He has just one interception since. Assuming he doesn't play again this season, Bland will have missed 12 games over two seasons.
The injury to Bland, who is second on the team in tackles behind linebacker Kenneth Murray, comes as the Cowboys have to decide whether to activate fellow cornerback Trevon Diggs, who hasn't played since a 30-27 loss at Carolina in Week 6.
Diggs sustained a concussion in an accident at home the week after the loss to the Panthers, and the team says knee issues have kept him on injured reserve. Diggs had knee surgery each of the past two years.
The Cowboys opened Diggs' 21-day practice window Nov. 30 for a possible return from IR. His season will be over if he isn't activated for the game against the Chargers.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper had a season-high 24 points and the Spurs led for all but 22 seconds in defeating the Washington Wizards 119-94 on Thursday night to rebound from a disappointing loss in the NBA Cup final.
The New York Knicks rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final quarter to beat San Antonio on Tuesday night in Las Vegas to capture the NBA Cup,
The Spurs (19-7) had the optimal opponent to bounce back against in the league-worst Wizards (4-21)
Because the NBA Cup final does not count against the season statistics or standings, San Antonio has won four straight and 11 of 14 .
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama had 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 17 minutes. Wembanyama's minutes were restricted in his third game back after missing 12 games due to a calf injury. San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said pregame that Wembanyama's minutes would be restricted Thursday in preparation for him to play Friday in Atlanta on the second night of a back-to-back.
Wembanyama blocked a layup from fellow French center Alex Sarr in the second quarter to extend his streak to 99 consecutive games with a block.
Sarr had 18 points, and Bub Carrington added 17 points.
Bilal Coulibaly made one of two free throws to give Washington its first lead at 58-57 with 10:23 remaining in the third quarter. San Antonio wing Devin Vassell drained a 3-pointer 22 seconds later to spark a 14-2 and the Spurs would extend their lead to 26 points.
Coulibaly finished with just three points.
Vassell added 18 points and Stephon Castle had 17 points for the Spurs.
San Antonio, which had not played at home since beating Memphis on Dec. 2, returns to the road for games at Atlanta and Washington.
Wizards: At Memphis on Saturday.
Spurs: At Atlanta on Friday.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) battle for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Billy Calzada)
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie, foreground, reacts as his team pulls away against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Billy Calzada)
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) shoots as San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Billy Calzada)
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper, front, drives for a layup as Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly, back, and center Alex Sarr, right, defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Billy Calzada)
San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Billy Calzada)
