GS. HE’S BACK: Missing Since Week 6, A Crushing Absence… Now the Cowboys’ Lockdown Corner Returns to the Field – The NFC East Just Got a Lot More Complicated.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been on a roll, riding a three-game winning streak that’s breathed new life into their season. But even amid this resurgence, there’s been a glaring hole in the secondary—a void left by one of their most dynamic playmakers. That changes now. All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs, sidelined since Week 6 due to a concussion and lingering knee issues, is officially back on the practice field, opening his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.
This news comes as a massive boost for a Cowboys team that’s clawed its way back into contention in the NFC East. Currently sitting at 6-5-1 and second in the division, Dallas has relied on a collective defensive effort to turn things around. But Diggs’ absence has been crushing. In just six games this season, he’s recorded 13 solo tackles, 5 assists, and 18 combined tackles—no interceptions yet, a far cry from his ball-hawking reputation, but his presence alone forces offenses to rethink their strategies.
The injury saga began mysteriously: a concussion sustained at home, compounded by knee problems that the team wanted fully resolved before risking further damage. Diggs, a shutdown corner at his best, struggled early in the year, but head coach Mike McCarthy isn’t concerned. “When he’s at full potential, he’s a lockdown guy,” McCarthy said in recent comments, echoing the sentiment that a healthy Diggs could elevate this defense to elite status.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has orchestrated an impressive turnaround since mid-season reinforcements arrived. The debuts of key players like Donovan Wilson, DeMarvion Overshown, and others in Week 11 coincided with improved schemes and execution. The Cowboys’ defense, which had been porous earlier, now ranks among the league’s better units in points allowed during their streak. Adding Diggs back into the mix? That’s a game-changer.
Owner Jerry Jones has been optimistic, predicting Diggs’ return in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions—a matchup that pits Dallas against one of the NFC’s most explosive offenses. The Lions’ high-powered attack, led by quarterback Jared Goff and a stable of talented receivers, will be the perfect test for Diggs to shake off the rust. If he can reclaim his form—think of his 2021 season with 11 interceptions—opposing quarterbacks will have nightmares.
But what exactly does Diggs bring? Beyond the stats, he’s a tone-setter. His ability to erase top receivers in man coverage allows Zimmer to get creative with blitzes and zone looks. Earlier this season, without him, the secondary leaned heavily on DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis, who held the fort admirably but lacked Diggs’ star power. Now, with the full complement of talent, the Cowboys’ defense could become a force that complicates the entire NFC playoff picture.
The NFC East, already a dogfight with the Eagles leading at 8-4, just got more intense. Philadelphia holds a slim lead, but Dallas’ recent surge—fueled by defensive improvements—positions them as a serious threat. The Commanders and Giants are fading, but a Cowboys win streak could flip the division on its head. With Diggs back, expect more turnovers, tighter coverage, and a renewed swagger in Big D.
As Diggs reflected on his recovery, he kept details close but emphasized his readiness: “I’m just excited to be back out there with the guys.” Motivated and healthy, he’s poised to remind the league why he’s one of the NFL’s premier corners. The Cowboys’ playoff push just got a lockdown upgrade—and rivals better take note. The road to the Super Bowl through the NFC East is about to get a whole lot tougher.
