Dallas Cowboys Defensive Star Unsure Whether He Will Be Ready For Week 1
With the Dallas Cowboys’ high-stakes season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles less than two weeks away, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over a key piece of their defense. Cornerback Trevon Diggs, working his way back from a significant knee injury, offered a less-than-reassuring update on his availability for the crucial Week 1 matchup.
His noncommittal response has left fans and analysts speculating about the readiness of one of the team’s most important defensive players.
Dallas Cowboys Trevon Diggs On Week 1
When asked directly if he would be ready to face the Eagles, Diggs’ answer was a candid reflection of his current situation: “Maybe, maybe not.”
The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list following season-ending knee surgery in December 2024 to repair cartilage issues. While he told reporters he feels “way better” than he should at this stage of his recovery, the timeline for his return to the field is still unclear.
“I want to practice a lot,” Diggs said, emphasizing his need for live repetitions after a long layoff. “I want to get as much practice as possible, get the game reps in, get the live reps in. I haven’t practiced in a while, so I feel the practice will tell a lot more where I am.”
The decision on when he returns will be a collaborative one. Diggs noted that the final call will be a “mutual decision” between him and the Cowboys’ staff, based on how his knee responds to increased activity. This cautious approach is understandable, especially for a player who signed a five-year, $97 million extension in 2023.
The Cowboys face a critical roster decision. They can activate Diggs with the hope he is ready early in the season, or they can keep him on the PUP list, which would automatically sideline him for the first four games.
Concern for the Cowboys’ Defense
The uncertainty surrounding Diggs creates a significant concern for a Dallas defense that relies heavily on its secondary to create turnovers and lock down opposing receivers. Facing the Eagles’ high-powered offense in Week 1 without one of their premier cornerbacks is a daunting prospect.
If Diggs is unable to play, the Cowboys will rely on a cornerback duo of 2023 All-Pro DaRon Bland and offseason acquisition Kaiir Elam. While Bland had a historic, record-breaking season in 2023 with his pick-six prowess, the defense is undoubtedly stronger with both him and Diggs on the field. Diggs’ presence allows Bland to operate in a role where he has excelled, and his absence forces the entire secondary to adjust.
The potential for a slow start defensively is a major worry. Without Diggs, opposing offenses may be more inclined to test the Cowboys’ secondary, potentially putting more pressure on the pass rush, which might be without Micah Parsons, to disrupt quarterbacks. This is particularly concerning against an Eagles team featuring elite receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
A Crucial Period for Diggs and Dallas
This is a pivotal moment for both the player and the team. For Diggs, returning to his 2021 All-Pro form is essential. Since that remarkable 11-interception season, injuries have limited his availability. He missed nearly the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL and has played in just 30 of a possible 51 regular-season games over the past three years.
For the Cowboys, getting a full return on their significant investment in Diggs is critical to their championship aspirations. His ball-hawking skills are a game-changing element that few players in the league possess. The team’s defensive ceiling is considerably lower without him at full strength.
As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on Diggs’ practice participation. His ability to ramp up his activity and handle the rigors of live reps will ultimately determine if his answer to the Week 1 question shifts from “maybe not” to a definitive “yes.” Until then, the Cowboys must prepare for the possibility of facing their biggest rival without one of their defensive stars.
