The Dallas Cowboys continue to be plagued by injuries. Now the next starter, cornerback DaRon Bland, is out

Shock for the Dallas Cowboys! Head coach Mike McCarthy’s team will have to do without cornerback DaRon Bland for six to eight weeks. NFL insiders are unanimous in their reports.

The star defensive back has suffered a fatigue fracture in his foot and will require surgery.

Bland was an important part of the secondary in the past two seasons. He collected a total of 14 interceptions. Last season, he returned five interceptions into the opponent’s end zone, an NFL record.

Dallas Cowboys: Sam Williams also injured

“The good news is he’ll be fine for the crucial games of the year,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said of Bland to the radio show “105.3 The Fan in Dallas.” Jones added that the Cowboys are loaded with young talent at the cornerback position.

Fifth-round pick Caelen Carson has impressed in the preseason so far and could replace Bland for the time being. The more experienced Jourdan Lewis is also a possible replacement, but Lewis’ strengths lie more in the slot than outside.

Pass rusher Sam Williams was injured a few weeks ago. He tore his ACL and will miss the entire season.