2 Cowboys defensive starters limited for OTAs

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 19: Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland (26) returns an interception for a touchdown and celebrates with defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (41) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on October 19, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of their OTAs out in Frisco, Texas. Two of their most important defenders, cornerback DaRon Bland and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, are currently rehabbing from injuries. Per Jon Machota of The Athletic, both will be limited during OTAs as the team is being cautious with their alignments.

Cowboys DE Donovan Ezeiruaku and CB DaRon Bland won't be doing much during OTAs. Brian Schottenheimer said the Cowboys are being smart with their injury recovery

- Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 4, 2026

Bland is nursing a foot injury, which is all too common when looking at his history with the Cowboys. He signed a five-year, $92 million extension last August. Bland played in 12 games, but a foot injury which requited surgery ended his season last December. This is a critical year for Bland, especially after missing 15 games over the previous two seasons. Dallas has a lot of money invested in him and he needs to be available every week in 2026.

Ezeiruaku played through a hip labrum tear during his rookie campaign in 2025. In January, he had surgery to repair the issue which caused him to miss the offseason program during the spring and mimicamp. The former second-round pick will be a key piece in the Cowboys' revamped defense under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Both Bland and Ezeiruaku are expected to be ready for training camp in July when the Cowboys head to Oxnard, California.