The Dallas Cowboys started the season strong without cornerback DaRon Bland, managing to stifle Deshaun Watson’s offense in Week 1. However, the Cowboys are eager to see Bland and Trevon Diggs play together for the first time since last September. Bland’s IR-return designation rules him out until at least Week 5, but there’s optimism he could be ready by then. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Cowboys hope Bland will recover from his foot stress fracture sooner than initially expected, potentially returning when eligible.
Bland’s return would bolster a Cowboys secondary that has dealt with significant injuries to all three of its top corners since 2022. Jourdan Lewis suffered a serious Lisfranc injury last season, while Diggs tore his ACL early in 2023, forcing Bland to shift from the slot to the boundary. Despite these challenges, Bland made a major impact in 2022, recording five pick-sixes, a single-season record. In the meantime, fifth-round rookie Caelen Carson started alongside Diggs in Week 1.
NFC East Updates:
Eagles Linebacker Situation
The Eagles’ linebacker rotation will be something to watch, particularly with free-agent addition Devin White. White missed Week 1, leaving Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun to start in the Brazil game. Despite signing White, the Eagles appear committed to Dean, who won the starting job during training camp. Dean was expected to be Philadelphia’s top linebacker last year, but injuries forced him to miss significant time. Now healthy, Dean is ahead of White, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal after a disappointing final season with the Buccaneers.
Eagles Front Office Moves
The Eagles continue to see movement within their front office. After losing four executives to assistant GM roles in 2022, Howie Roseman elevated Alec Halaby and Jon Ferrari to assistant GM positions. Halaby and Ferrari are both expected to be in consideration for future GM jobs. Halaby interviewed for both the Commanders and Panthers GM roles earlier this year, while Ferrari has been with the Eagles since 2016, primarily working in compliance before his promotion.
Giants Injury Troubles
The New York Giants are facing some early-season injury issues. Cornerback Nick McCloud, who was competing for a starting role, suffered a knee injury that could sideline him for weeks. Additionally, wide receiver Gunner Olszewski is expected to miss significant time due to a groin injury. Both players re-signed with the Giants this offseason on one-year deals.
In other Giants news, rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt saw limited action in Week 1, playing just 16 snaps. He currently sits behind Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton in the receiving corps, though his role could increase as the season progresses.
Cowboys Cap Space Move
The Cowboys recently restructured right tackle Terence Steele’s contract, freeing up $4.5 million in cap space, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. This move follows the team’s record-breaking contract extension with quarterback Dak Prescott, a four-year, $240 million deal, the most lucrative in NFL history.
Commanders President Search
The Washington Commanders are on the hunt for a new president to replace Jason Wright, who will step down at the end of the season. Team owner Josh Harris will work with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEO Tad Brown to find Wright’s successor, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
The Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants all face important roster decisions and injury concerns as they navigate the early stages of the 2023 season, while the Commanders prepare for significant changes off the field.
