By: Anthony Miller
The Dallas Cowboys received some bad news regarding cornerback Trevon Diggs, but does his injury affect the season?
News came out Thursday that Diggs would be out the rest of the season after tearing his ACL on his left knee in practice. Diggs was going through a one-on-one drill when he injured himself. Concern regarding his knee occurred when he was spotted on crutches in the team facility after it happened.
Diggs has been highly regarded as one of the best corners in the NFL the last two seasons recording 18 interceptions since 2020 which is tied for the most in the league. He’s been selected to Pro Bowls in back-to-back seasons as well as a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2021.
After three seasons of success, he signed a contract extension during training camp as it was a five-year, $97 million contract. The deal included a $21.25 million signing bonus and $42.3 million guaranteed in the deal.
What Does it Mean for the Dallas Cowboys?
It’s a devastating blow for a defense that has been first this season in yards allowed and points per game. Diggs has been a ball hawk since joining the league in 2020 and has proven to be a shutdown corner last year. The type of production he provides can’t be replaced.
With the roster the way it is now, Dallas does have options to at least fill his role with cornerbacks who should be able to get the job done.
Jourdan Lewis returning to the field last week after his foot injury last October helps Dallas as he will move into the slot position. DaRon Bland will most likely move to outside cornerback after leading the team in interceptions last season with five. Stephon Gilmore is a proven veteran shutdown corner which should lead to him being the number one guy at cornerback.
The other cornerbacks on the roster include Noah Igbinoghene and rookie Eric Scott. Nahshon Wright is on IR with an ankle injury so the soonest he can return is Week 5.
Reviewing their defense, the strength of this defense comes from their defensive line led by Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. That group will need to step up and help take the pressure off the secondary with great pass rushes. After a top-five finish in 2022 in sacks, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for Dallas.
It’ll hurt not to have Diggs in the starting lineup, but Dallas on paper is still a Super Bowl-contending team. The defense has allowed ten total points in two games. While they will feel the pain of Diggs not being there, don’t expect a major step back for the Cowboys.