Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs is facing a significant medical procedure that could sideline him for a substantial portion of the 2025 NFL season. Diggs is scheduled to undergo bone graft surgery on his left knee to address cartilage damage, a procedure that entails an extended recovery period.
The injury was identified following the Cowboys’ Week 14 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite completing the game, Diggs experienced discomfort and was subsequently ruled out for the Week 15 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This development is particularly concerning as it affects the same knee in which Diggs suffered a torn ACL early in the 2023 season, an injury that limited him to just two games that year.
The bone graft procedure involves transplanting bone tissue into the damaged area to promote growth and strengthen the knee joint. While this method offers a more robust solution for cartilage repair, it also requires a longer rehabilitation period compared to other surgical options. As a result, the Cowboys anticipate that Diggs will miss not only the remainder of the current season but also a significant portion of the 2025 season. Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the uncertainty of Diggs’ return timeline, stating, “This is a big recovery for Trevon. It’s way too early for me to speculate on that.”
Diggs, 26, has been a pivotal component of the Cowboys’ secondary since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Over his career, he has accumulated 215 tackles, 63 passes defended, and 20 interceptions in 58 regular-season games. His standout performance in the 2021 season, where he led the league with 11 interceptions, earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
In July 2023, Diggs signed a five-year, $97 million contract extension with the Cowboys, underscoring the organization’s commitment to him as a cornerstone of their defense. His base salary of $9 million for the 2025 season is guaranteed for injury, providing some financial security as he embarks on this extended recovery journey.
The loss of Diggs presents a significant challenge for the Cowboys’ defense, which has relied heavily on his playmaking abilities and coverage skills. His absence will necessitate adjustments in the secondary, with increased responsibilities likely falling on fellow cornerbacks and the potential for the team to seek additional depth through free agency or the NFL Draft.
As Diggs prepares for surgery, the focus will be on a successful procedures and rehabilitation process aimed at restoring his health and returning him to the field. The Cowboys organization, along with their fan base, will undoubtedly be monitoring his progress closely, hopeful for his eventual return to the form that made him one of the league’s premier defensive backs.
In the interim, the Cowboys will need to adapt their defensive strategies to compensate for the loss of Diggs, emphasizing the development of their remaining defensive backs and potentially exploring roster moves to bolster the secondary. The extended absence of a player of Diggs’ caliber will test the resilience and depth of the Cowboys’ defense as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
