Cowboys vs Falcons Initial Injury Report: IR activation doesn’t mean All-Pro will play

The Cowboys are still reeling from injuries, despite what should’ve been something to celebrate about DaRon Bland. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Cowboys initial injury report of Week 9 is out and it comes alongside what should be positive news. Dallas added cornerback DaRon Bland to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, placing him back with the full roster for the first time since his foot surgery over the summer.

But fans should wait before they rejoice that he’s going to play in this week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. See, Bland had his 21-day practice window opened before the club’s Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions. And while it appeared he was ramping up to play in that game, he missed the final practice before it then didn’t suit up. The bye week came next and Bland missed the following week of practice, not playing against San Francisco.

Wednesday marked the expiration of the 21-day window. Bland either had to be activated or placed on IR for the remainder of 2024. The club activated, then he proceeded to miss Wednesday’s practice as well.

Bland is one of seven players who didn’t participate in practice for the Cowboys, including edge rusher Micah Parsons.

As for the Falcons, who are sitting at 5-3 and atop the NFC South, their injury report reads much cleaner. Only three of their players sat out on Wednesday.

Dallas Cowboys

K Brandon Aubrey, NIR-Other | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

LB Micah Parsons, Ankle | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

CB DaRon Bland, Foot | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

CB Trevon Diggs, Calf | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

CB Caelen Carson, Shoulder | Wednesday: Full Participant

Linebacker Nick Vigil, Foot | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

DT Jordan Phillips, Wrist | Wednesday: Full Participant

DT Linval Joseph, Back | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

LB Eric Kendricks, Shoulder | Wednesday: Limited

OG Zack Martin, Shoulder | Wednesday: Limited

Atlanta Falcons

LB Tory Anderson, Knee | Wednesday: Limited

LB JD Bertrand, Concussion | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

Center Drew Dalman, Ankle | Wednesday: Limited

LB Kaden Eliss, Knee | Wednesday: Limited

C Antonio Hamilton, Back | Wednesday: Limited

OG Chris Lindstrom, Knee | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Ankle | Wednesday: Did Not Participate

Safety Justin Simmons, Hamstring | Wednesday: Limited

Wednesday Rest Days: DL James Smith-Williams, LB Matthew Judon