In a season marred by injuries and setbacks, Dallas Cowboys' standout cornerback Trevon Diggs is once again in the headlines. The 2024 campaign has seen him battle calf, groin, and knee issues, culminating in the decision for surgery on his left knee. This procedure, targeting fluid buildup and cartilage problems, marks another chapter in the undulating story of Diggs' promising career.
Despite these physical challenges, Diggs managed to contribute significantly to the Cowboys' defense. Over 11 games, he registered two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and an impressive 44 tackles. His presence, commanding on the field, was missed when he played 71 snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, a testament to his commitment to the game and his team.
However, injury woes are not unfamiliar to Diggs. Last season, he suffered an ACL tear before Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, raising concerns about his long-term resilience. Encouragingly, the current knee issue is not related to the previous ACL injury, suggesting a cleaner path to recovery.
The Dallas Cowboys, no stranger to injury-related setbacks this season, have placed Diggs on injured reserve. His absence will be felt keenly as the team navigates the remainder of a challenging 6-8 season. The injured reserve list for 2024 reads like a roll call of key players, with Dak Prescott, Zack Martin, DaRon Bland, and DeMarcus Lawrence also sidelined. Meanwhile, defensive star Micah Parsons missed four games owing to a high ankle sprain, further complicating the Cowboys' trajectory.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' executive vice president, remains optimistic about Diggs' recovery. "I think his timeline will be right at the start of the season," he remarks, indicating that while Diggs is expected to skip the next summer training camp, there is hope that he will return at full strength as the 2025 season kicks off. The anticipation of his comeback is fueled by a shared recognition of his potential impact on the team's defensive lineup.
Jones lauds Diggs' dedication: "He was doing everything he can because he wants to play, he wants to compete, and he wants to contribute." This sentiment echoes Diggs' own resolve, as he has expressed in handling his health setbacks. "I felt okay. Just dealing with the same issue as I was before but other than that, I was just fighting through it and pushing," Diggs recounts, underlining a relentless drive that matches his on-field prowess.
Financially, Trevon Diggs holds a $14.25 million salary cap hit in 2025, a reflection of his value to the Cowboys. The investment underscores the team's belief in his ability to rebound and perform at an elite level once his current health challenges are behind him.
As Cowboys fans and analysts speculate on the potential landscape of the 2025 season, Trevon Diggs' journey toward recovery will be a focal point. His return, timed with the start of the season, could be pivotal in reshaping the Cowboys’ fortunes. For now, the focus remains on rehabilitation and preparation, with Diggs aiming for a return that matches, if not surpasses, his past performances.