Trevon Diggs will have to wait at least another week before returning to the field for the Cowboys.
Dallas didn’t activate their star cornerback from injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Vikings. Diggs, who hasn’t played since mid-October, must be added to the active roster by December 20 or he’ll remain sidelined for the rest of the season.
Despite participating in practice this week, Diggs – who expressed confidence about playing against Minnesota – wasn’t deemed ready for game action. He was listed as a limited participant in all three practice sessions.
It’s a significant setback for a Cowboys defense that could use his playmaking ability.
“He’s still in the ramp-up period,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer explained earlier in the week. “I think he does feel healthy. I know he wants to play. But at the end of the day, we have to do what we think is in the best interest of not just him, but also the football team. And when you miss some time, there’s the ramp-up period. It is not just for your body, but for your mind and figuring out some of the defense, and there’s some new faces in the huddle and things like that.”
Diggs has been sidelined since Dallas’ 30-27 loss to Carolina on October 12. The two-time Pro Bowl corner suffered a concussion in an at-home accident and was placed on IR October 25 to give his right knee additional rest. His injury situation has been complicated by two surgeries on his left knee – the first following his ACL tear in 2023, with a chondral tissue graft procedure performed in January.
The former Alabama star hasn’t recorded an interception or pass deflection through six games this season (20 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 QB pressures). It’s a far cry from his ball-hawking performances in 2021-22, when he collected 14 picks – including a remarkable 11 in 2021 alone.
Dallas invested heavily in Diggs with a five-year, $97 million extension in 2023. The concerning reality? He’s appeared in just 19 games since signing that massive deal.
The Cowboys (6-7) face a crucial stretch run as they battle to stay in playoff contention, and Diggs’ potential return would provide a much-needed boost to their struggling secondary.