Cowboys suffer a tough blow they weren't planning for ahead of Lions game

Earlier in the week, multiple reports indicated the Dallas Cowboys expected to have cornerback DaRon Bland back on the field  in Week 6 for a high-stakes game against the Detroit Lions.

Things appeared to be on track for those plans to become a reality, as Bland was a full participant on both Wednesday's and Thursday's practices. However, things took a turn on Friday when he was surprisingly listed as a non-participant.

On Saturday, ESPN's Todd Archer reported Bland won't be playing against the Lions as he continues to rehab from a preseason foot injury.

Bland remains on Injured Reserve and the Cowboys won't activate him to the 53-man roster as a result of the news.

The curveball leaves the Cowboys defense even more decimated than expected. Below s a list of players who won't be suiting up against the Lions' high-powered offense:

• DE Micah Parsons
• DE DeMarcus Lawrence
• DE Marshawn Kneeland
• CB DaRon Bland
• LB Eric Kendricks

That's four of the team's projected starters in the offseason and the team's third best defensive end (Kneeland). They'll have to overcome the sixth best offense in the NFL per EPA/play.

Jared Goff leads a unit that features All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and second-team All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta. To complement them, Jameson Williams has proven he can be a dangerous weapon as a vertical threat, averaging 22.2 yards per catch in 13 receptions. Not to mention, the Lions' dominant rushing offense spearheaded by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery running behind one of the league's best offensive lines.

The Cowboys will have to deal with all that with potentially Caelen Carson (who is questionable with a shoulder injury) or practice squad CB Amani Oruwariye, who got elevated once again. The coaching staff also elevated LB Darius Harris to deal with the absence of Kendricks.

Dalvin Cook not elevated for the game

Once again, the Cowboys are not elevating four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Even if they wanted to, the team's injuries essentially force them to call up a cornerback and a linebacker, which uses their two allowed weekly practice squad elevations.

Once again, it'll be Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott leading the way with versatile FB/TE Hunter Luepke in the mix.

Related: Mike Tomlin goes out of his way days after losing to Cowboys to share strong words on Dak Prescott