The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the upcoming divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders without one of their most important defensive players.
According to The New York Post, cornerback Trevon Diggs has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after what the team described as an “accident” that occurred at his home Thursday night.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the news on Friday, October 17, explaining that Diggs came to team facilities with concussion symptoms. “He’s been checked out by our doctors. He’s in the protocol and will miss the game,” Schottenheimer told reporters.
The coach added that the team is still gathering information about what exactly happened, but emphasized the primary concern is Diggs’ health.
The setback comes at a tough time for the Dallas Cowboys, who sit at 2-3-1 and rank at the bottom of the league in several defensive categories. Entering Week 7, Dallas has allowed the most yards per game (411.7), the second-most points per game (30.7), and currently holds the worst passer rating against (117).
The unit also gave up 183 rushing yards to former Cowboy Rico Dowdle last week, underscoring the struggles up front and in the secondary.
Losing Diggs only deepens the challenge. The two-time Pro Bowler was a first-team All-Pro in 2021 and followed that with another standout season in 2022.
However, the past two years have been plagued by injuries. Diggs appeared in just two games in 2023 and missed six contests last season. This year, he has yet to register an interception or even a defended pass, but his presence has remained central to the Dallas defense.
With Diggs sidelined, the Cowboys will lean on rookie Trikweze Bridges and second-year corner Caelen Carsen to help stabilize the secondary. The timing is crucial: Washington comes into the matchup with a 3-3 record and sits ahead of Dallas in the NFC East standings.
On the offensive side, there is some good news for Cowboys fans. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb is expected to return after missing three games with an ankle injury.
Dallas currently averages 29.7 points per game, ranking among the NFL’s best, and Lamb’s return could boost the team’s chances in what has quickly become a tight divisional race.
For now, the focus remains on Diggs’ recovery. As Schottenheimer put it, “It’s unfortunate. Obviously, we want what’s best for Trevon. The biggest thing is the concern for him, that he’s OK—it seems like he is.”
