OXNARD, Calif. -- DaRon Bland's feet tell his story.
A cornerback's success has more to do with feet than anything else. Backpedaling at the snap. Driving on a throw from the quarterback. Sprinting stride-for-stride with a wide receiver.
If the footwork isn't good, then a cornerback will be in trouble.
But what about when a foot isn't healthy? What then?
Late in the 2024 training camp, Bland had surgery on his left foot to repair a fifth metatarsal stress fracture and missed the first 10 games of the season. He never felt quite the same as he had his first two years when he intercepted 14 passes and set an NFL record with five pick-sixes in 2023.
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Last season, the 2022 fifth-round pick was placed on injured reserve with three games remaining and had his second left foot surgery in as many years. In January, Dr. David Porter, a consultant for the Indianapolis Colts, replaced the screw in Bland's foot. He rehabbed throughout the offseason with the idea of being 100% ready for training camp.
"It's a lot better," Bland said. "I mean I don't really feel no aches or pains that much. Little soreness here and there, but nothing major."
Bland's movements appear sharper than last year. His quickness is better. He looks more confident.
"I'm definitely getting a lot more push now getting out of my breaks," Bland said. "Not worried about it."
The strong start cornerback DaRon Bland showed his first two seasons was derailed due to a nagging foot injury. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Bland has made one change that he believes has helped his foot. He is wearing size 15 cleats instead of a size 14.
"It's just us trying different things and trying to see what's best," Bland said. "So far this has felt the best right now."
It doesn't matter to the Cowboys whether it's comfort or confidence. They need Bland, who signed a four-year, $90 million extension in 2025, to find the form of his first two seasons in new coordinator Christian Parker's scheme.