Through the first two weeks of the 2023 season, the Dallas Cowboys looked unstoppable. They steamrolled the New York Giants in Week 1 40-0 and blew out the New York Jets in Week 2 30-10.
The Cowboys had announced their presence with authority, dismantling the MetLife Stadium co-tenants. Their defense is playing at a very high level as the only touchdown they have surrendered in two games was a catch-and-run by Garrett Wilson in which he outran the entire Dallas defense.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, the first chink in the armor has occurred. According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, star cornerback Trevon Diggs was injured early on in practice Thursday morning during one-on-one drills. He was seen being evaluated and was on crutches after practice.
The injury is believed to be to his knee. Diggs is set to undergo an MRI to figure out the extent of the damage that has been done, if there has been any at all. Quarterback Dak Prescott was asked about it after practice, but there wasn’t an update to be given. He said it was too early to speak on anything and is hoping for the best.
This is terrible news for the Cowboys as Diggs is a huge part of their game plan defensively. He has feasted on opposing passing games the last few seasons, taking full advantage of the star-studded pass rush that is in front of him.
Based on the update that has been provided, this could be a serious injury. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Cowboys fear that the injury Diggs is dealing with is a torn ACL, which would end his 2023 campaign.
If that is the case, Dallas will likely move DaRon Bland to the perimeter to take Diggs’ spot in the lineup opposite Stephon Gilmore. In that scenario, Jourdan Lewis would take over as the team’s primary slot cornerback.
Deeper on the depth chart, Dallas has a former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, Noah Igbinoghene, who was acquired in a trade before the regular season. They could also turn to rookie Eric Scott and Nashon Wright will be eligible to come off of IR in Week 5.
While the Cowboys have options, replacing Diggs will prove difficult. He is an elite playmaker who has been a big part of the team’s success on defense the last few seasons. It will take a total team effort to replace his production.
