For the Cowboys, not having one of the team’s most expensive defensive players on the field for the Week 8 matchup in Denver is surely a bad thing. Right? Well, yes and no.
Of course, the Cowboys would like a full, healthy version of cornerback Trevon Diggs to be lined up against a team like the Broncos—who are 5-2 and winners of four straight games—as Dallas seeks to capitalize on the momentum gained from the 44-22 drubbing of the Commanders in Week 7.
The problem is, Diggs did not play in that game against Washington, having gone out with a mysterious concussion he suffered in his house a week ago. And without Diggs, the Cowboys had one of their better defensive days this season, forcing two turnovers for the first time this year and holding Washington to 341 yards and a season-low 18 first downs.
Diggs has not practiced this week, still hampered by concussion symptoms. On Friday, the team officially ruled that he won’t be on the field on Sunday in Week 8.
### Trevon Diggs Officially Ruled Out
Also not playing on Sunday is safety Donovan Wilson, who has struggled badly this season. Jon Machota of The Athletic reported on Twitter/X Friday:
> “Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (concussion/knee) has been officially ruled out for Sunday in Denver. Safety Donovan Wilson has also been ruled out. Center Cooper Beebe, LT Tyler Guyton are questionable.”
Wilson is ranked No. 78 in Pro Football Focus’ safety grades this season, out of 84 total safeties in the NFL. Diggs ranks No. 63 among cornerbacks, out of 112.
### Cowboys Played Best Defense in Week 7 Despite Diggs’ Absence
Despite Diggs’ struggles this year, there is some irony in him being out just now. Diggs has been the most outspoken critic within the team about the defense run by defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Eberflus’s zone-heavy coverage scheme has dampened the effectiveness of Diggs and fellow star corner DaRon Bland.
When asked three weeks ago whether the Cowboys should run more man coverage, Diggs responded, “Yeah. Yeah.” He described playing in Eberflus’s defense as “being comfortable being uncomfortable. One of those type things.”
Interestingly, Eberflus and the Cowboys went to far more man coverage in Week 7 against Washington—running it nearly half the time after having done so only about 10% of the time before that game. And Diggs was not there to take advantage.
### Cowboys Won’t ‘Dwell’ on Trevon Diggs
Diggs will not be there on Sunday, either. The Cowboys had been expressing confidence that he would be back for Week 8, but concussions can be unpredictable—especially Diggs’ concussion, which sparked speculation because it did not happen on the field.
Team owner Jerry Jones said he was not planning to “dwell” on Diggs’s situation anymore as the team moves forward.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/final-decision-on-trevon-diggs-in-week-8/
