The Cowboys’ defense has been off to an incredible start to the 2023 season. But it will now have to move forward without one of its biggest stars.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs, ranked among the league’s best, was injured during Thursday’s practice, and it was reported later to be a season-ending torn ACL.
Diggs, who signed a massive extension in the offseason, has been off to a standout start to his 2023 campaign. PFF has graded him as the sixth-best corner in the NFL. The 2021 First-Team All-Pro has already notched one interception in 2023, while defending three passes and forcing one fumble. He’s also made four tackles.
Here’s what you need to know about his injury.
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Trevon Diggs injury update
Multiple outlets reported Thursday that Diggs had torn his ACL during Thursday’s practice.
According to NFL.com, Diggs’ injury took place early during practice in one-on-one drills. Following the injury, Diggs underwent an MRI that confirmed the tear. He could be seen using crutches after the practice had ended.
“I’m not going to speak on anything,” quarterback Dak Prescott said, per the Dallas Morning News. “It’s way too early. I guess some of you saw him leaving the field. Prayers. Hoping for the best, simple as that.”
Trevon Diggs contract
Before the season began, the Cowboys inked Diggs to a five-year, $97 million extension. The deal tied him as the fifth-highest paid cornerback in the league, trailing only Jaire Alexander, Denzel Ward, Jalen Ramsey and Marlon Humphrey, while tying him with Marshon Lattimore.
Here’s how Diggs’ contract lines up with the rest of the players at his position, according to data from Over The Cap:
Players ranked in terms of AAV
| Player | Team | Total value | Guarantees | AAV |
| 1. Jaire Alexander | Packers | $84 million | $30 million | $21 million |
| 2. Denzel Ward | Browns | $100.5 million | $44.5 million | $20.1 million |
| 3. Jalen Ramsey | Dolphins | $100 million | $43.7 million | $20 million |
| 4. Marlon Humphrey | Ravens | $97.5 million | $39.96 million | $19.5 million |
| T-5. Trevon Diggs | Cowboys | $97 million | $42.3 million | $19.4 million |
| T-5. Marshon Lattimore | Saints | $97 million | $44.35 million | $19.4 million |
| 7. Xavien Howard | Dolphins | $90 million | $36.3 million | $18 million |
| 8. Tre’Davious White | Giants | $69 million | $36.7 million | $17.25 million |
| 9. J.C. Jackson | Chargers | $82.5 million | $40 million | $16.5 million |
| 10. Carlton Davis | Buccaneers | $44.5 million | $24.5 million | $14.83 million |
Cowboys CB depth chart
- Trevon Diggs
- Stephon Gilmore
- DaRon Bland
- Jourdan Lewis
- Noah Igbinoghene
- Eric Scott Jr.
Diggs and offseason trade acquisition Stephon Gilmore comprised the Cowboys’ outside corner pairings, with DaRon Bland almost exclusively lining up as the slot corner.
With Diggs gone, it’s expected that Jourdan Lewis will likely take over Bland’s role in the slot, while Bland will move outside opposite Gilmore, per the Dallas Morning News. Noah Igbinoghene and Eric Scott Jr. would be next up for playing time as the team moves down the depth chart.