Just hours before the Dallas Cowboys’ final preseason game in late August, the team faced a significant setback when they learned that All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland would be sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to a foot fracture sustained towards the end of training camp.
With the season fast approaching, focus shifted to rookie fifth-round pick Caelen Carson, who was kept out of the final preseason matchup against the
Los Angeles Chargers to ensure he was ready to start in Bland’s absence on short notice. Despite the challenging circumstances, Carson stepped up with a solid performance in the team’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer praised Carson, noting that he handled the situation well and proved to be a tough, competitive player. Carson allowed a passer rating of 55.6—one of the best among rookie cornerbacks in week one—and recorded two pass breakups, holding Cleveland’s top receiver, Amari Cooper, to just two catches for 16 yards. Jourdan Lewis, the starting nickel cornerback, also commended Carson for his preparation and execution.
Despite the positive feedback, Carson remained focused on improving his game and correcting areas where he felt he could have performed better. The 22-year-old from Waldorf, Md., who had a notable college career at Wake Forest, has quickly adapted to the pressures of the NFL. His early performance has eased some of the burden on the team during Bland’s recovery, and there’s optimism about his future contributions. Carson echoed the sentiment of keeping things in perspective, emphasizing the importance of consistency moving forward.
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