Diggs returns to the field
Trevon Diggs, the 2021 All-Pro cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, stepped onto the AT&T Stadium turf for the franchise’s home finale against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The appearance marked his first action since sustaining a concussion in a home accident two months earlier, a setback that had left many wondering whether he would ever return to the field. After a period of recovery, the Cowboys announced that Diggs had been activated off injured reserve on Saturday, giving him the opportunity to finish the season.
Knee issues delayed his return
The team explained that Diggs’ delayed return stemmed from lingering knee issues, including a left knee that had undergone two surgeries in the past two years. While the player had already returned sooner than expected from offseason knee surgery and appeared in the opener, the Cowboys’ medical staff opted to hold him back until he was fully ready to play. The decision underscores the organization’s focus on player health and long-term performance.
Quinnen Williams absent
Dallas also missed defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who remained inactive after sustaining a concussion ten days earlier in a loss to Minnesota. Williams, who also has a neck issue, is the first player the Cowboys have missed since their trade with the New York Jets in November. His absence further highlights the team’s injury challenges heading into the final game of the season.
Uncertainty over Diggs’ future
Questions have surfaced about whether Diggs will stay on the roster, as the 2021 All-Pro is viewed as a likely candidate for release in the offseason amid a cost-cutting strategy. The Cowboys’ front office has indicated that if Diggs had not been activated off injured reserve this past Saturday, his season would have ended. The uncertainty surrounding his future underscores the financial and roster pressures the organization faces.
Bland’s season-ending IR move
Diggs’ return to action coincided with the Cowboys’ decision to place cornerback DaRon Bland on season-ending injured reserve, a move that may have been influenced by Bland’s ongoing foot issues. Bland, who may require a second surgery in two seasons for a troublesome left foot, had last year’s surgery before the start of the season to address a stress fracture and missed ten games. He also set an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns in 2023 and led the league with nine picks.
Contracts and career stats
In 2023, the Cowboys signed Diggs to a $97 million extension, two years after he led the league with 11 interceptions-a total that was the most in the NFL since Everson Walls tallied 11 as a rookie for Dallas in 1981. Bland signed a $92 million extension in August, and by the end of the season he will have missed 15 of the past 34 games, recording just one interception since accumulating 14 over his first two seasons. Since entering the league in 2017, Diggs has compiled 17 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, and 5 defensive touchdowns. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 and has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice. His 11 interceptions in 2023 were the most in the NFL since Everson Walls’ rookie season in 1981, underscoring his consistent playmaking ability.
Roster and financial pressures
Financially, the Cowboys have been under scrutiny for their high payroll, with several veteran contracts approaching the end of their terms. The organization’s front office has indicated that cost-cutting measures are a priority, especially as the league’s collective bargaining agreement imposes salary cap constraints. The decision to activate Diggs and place Bland on injured reserve reflects a balancing act between retaining talent and managing cap space. Under the current NFL salary cap, teams must allocate a significant portion of their payroll to player salaries, and the Cowboys’ front office has been working to keep the cap space flexible for future acquisitions. The organization’s recent contract extensions, including those for Diggs and Bland, were structured to balance immediate performance needs with long-term financial sustainability. The league’s collective bargaining agreement also imposes limits on roster size and practice squad limits, influencing how teams plan their rosters today.
Team depth at cornerback
The Cowboys’ depth at cornerback has been tested after Bland’s move to injured reserve, with younger players such as Taron Johnson and rookie cornerback Amon Green stepping into larger roles. The coaching staff has emphasized that defensive versatility is essential as the team navigates a roster that is still recovering from multiple injuries.
Significance of the final home game
The home finale against the Chargers is also the Cowboys’ last chance to secure a winning record and improve their standing in the NFC East. A strong defensive performance, particularly at the secondary, could be decisive in a season where the team has struggled to maintain consistency. The coaching staff has highlighted the importance of each game as the playoff picture tightens.
Medical staff monitoring recovery
Dallas’ medical team has been closely monitoring Diggs’ recovery, noting that his knee surgeries required a careful rehabilitation schedule before he could return to full contact. The team’s approach has involved a gradual increase in practice intensity, with emphasis on range of motion and strength before reintroducing defensive drills. The medical staff’s decision to delay his return reflects a broader trend of prioritizing player longevity in high-impact positions.
Salary cap and roster planning
Under the current NFL salary cap, teams must allocate a significant portion of their payroll to player salaries, and the Cowboys’ front office has been working to keep the cap space flexible for future acquisitions. The organization’s recent contract extensions, including those for Diggs and Bland, were structured to balance immediate performance needs with long-term financial sustainability. The league’s collective bargaining agreement also imposes limits on roster size and practice squad limits, influencing how teams plan their rosters today.
