In an enormous blow to the dominant Dallas Cowboys defense, star cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Thursday’s practice.
The devastating injury will end Diggs’ season, which is a shame for Dallas who is off to a scorching-hot start and for the first time in a longgg time look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
The injury occurred during a one-on-one drill and was confirmed following an MRI.
Diggs, who has been a major playmaker for the Cowboys, was seen inside the team facility on crutches before undergoing the MRI, which confirmed Dallas’ worst fears.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs suffered torn ACL in practice today, out for the season. (via @RapSheet & @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/QTvitkT2kH
— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2023
This comes as a significant blow to a Cowboys defense that has impressed early in the season, ranking #1 in the NFL in both yards allowed and points per game through the first two weeks.
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Diggs has made a name for himself with his impressive ball-hawking skills, amassing 18 interceptions, which ties him for the most in the NFL alongside J.C. Jackson of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Cowboys’ All-World pass rusher Micah Parsons took to social media to express his love to Diggs – and assure everyone that the beat will go on in Dallas…
“I am my brother’s keeper! I got you 7! No more need to be said!” he tweeted.
I am my brothers keeper! I got you 7! No more need to be said! 🦁🦅 pic.twitter.com/8ujEMegYuP
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) September 21, 2023
Some have criticized Diggs’ coverage skills and say that his intercepting skills and big-play ability have distracted from the fact that he struggles to defend big-time receivers.
However, he was off to a good start this season, having allowed just three catches for 31 yards on eight targets against him.
In Dallas’ first two games, he forced a fumble, hauled in an interception, and had three pass breakups while adding six tackles to his name.
More importantly the Cowboys defense has been humming – and we’ll soon find out what the impact of Diggs’ absence will be.
Diggs had recently signed a lucrative five-year, $97 million contract extension, which included a $21.25 million signing bonus and $42.3 million guaranteed.
Prior to this injury, he had been relatively durable, missing just one game in each of the past two seasons after a foot injury sidelined him for four games in 2020.
THIS HURTS #7🙏🏿🙏🏿
— Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) September 21, 2023
With Diggs now out for the season, the Cowboys will need to adjust their defensive lineup.
DaRon Bland is expected to move to the outside cornerback position opposite Stephon Gilmore, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
Jourdan Lewis is set to return to his role in the slot, having recently made his comeback after a significant foot injury.
Bland, who led the Cowboys with five interceptions last season, has already had an impact this season as evidence by his impressive pick-6 against the New York Giants on opening night.
Additionally, the Cowboys have options in Noah Igbinoghene and rookie Eric Scott at cornerback. Nahshon Wright, currently on injured reserve with an ankle injury, is expected to return to action in Week 5.
The Cowboys Pro Bowl center, Tyler Biadasz, also suffered an injury during Thursday’s practice, straining his hamstring – although it’s not nearly as serious as what happened to Diggs.
2020: Dak Prescott broken Ankle
2021: Demarcus Lawrence broken foot, Michael Gallup torn ACL
2022: Terrance Steele torn ACL, Tyron Smith torn hamstring, Tony Pollard high ankle sprain
2023: Trevon Diggs torn ACL
The football gods just hate us, they absolutely hate us.
— Branden (@ThatBrandenGuy) September 21, 2023
How big of a loss do you think Diggs will be for the defense?
Are the Cowboys still Super Bowl contenders without him?