The Dallas Cowboys are dealing with a major blow as star cornerback Trevon Diggs was spotted on crutches after getting injured during the team’s September 21, 2023, practice. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Diggs sustained a torn ACL and is done for the season.
“The Cowboys fear that Pro Bowl CB Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL in practice today, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” Pelissero said in a series of September 21 tweets. “Trevon Diggs’ injury happened during a 1-on-1 drill. Just awful, and a huge loss for the Dallas D. An MRI already confirmed Trevon Diggs’ injury, per source. He’s done for the season.”
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott declined to elaborate on Diggs’ injury except to say that he was “hoping for the best.” Prescott’s comments came prior to the news confirming that Diggs was out for the season.
“Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs suffered a leg injury today in practice,” ESPN’s Ed Werder tweeted on September 21. “He is currently being evaluated. Diggs was seen on crutches after practice. Dak Prescott: ‘Couple of you saw him leaving the field. So prayers; hoping for the best. Simple as that.’”
Who Will Start in Place of Trevon Diggs for the Dallas Cowboys?
The silver lining is the Cowboys do have some depth at cornerback but no replacement option will be quite to Diggs’ Pro Bowl level. Veteran Jourdan Lewis remains on the roster despite months of rumors about the corner being a potential cap casualty.
Lewis could be a candidate to be back in the starting rotation alongside Stephon Gilmore and DaRon Bland. That is if Lewis is able sustain a full workload as the corner recently recovered from a season-ending Lisfranc injury sustained last October. Lewis made his return to the field against the Jets in Week 2.
“Cowboys fears are confirmed. DaRon Bland will now start opposite of Stephon Gilmore,” The Dallas Morning News’ David Moore tweeted on September 21. “Jourdan Lewis will take over the slot.”
Dallas Cowboys Star Trevon Diggs Signed a 5-Year, $97 Million Contract Extension This Offseason
The good news for Diggs is his long-term future is already secure after signing a mega-extension over the offseason. Diggs inked a five-year, $97 million contract extension prior to training camp.
This presents its own challenges as Diggs’ cap figure jumps up from his rookie deal to this new lucrative contract. According to Spotrac, Diggs’ cap hit for 2023 is $5.8 million, a number that will go up to $16.2 million next season. Diggs noted that he did not feel added pressure to change his leadership style following his sizable raise.
“I feel like you I’m [going to] always be competitive in my own way,” Diggs explained to reporters on July 27. “Whether it’s a little chatter here and there. Whether it’s not saying anything at all and just going out there and performing and just expecting people to follow how I’m playing. So, I’m not going to change who I am.
“I’m still going to be the same person. I’m always going to be a helping hand. It’s not like I don’t talk to people or anything like that. I talk to people. I talk to my peers if they ask for help [or] they need anything, I’m always here. I’m just to myself sometimes. So, I try to lead in different ways.”
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Cowboys Get Grim Update on Trevon Diggs’ Injury: ‘Huge Loss’