The Dallas Cowboys have looked like a legitimate Super Bowl contender through two weeks of the 2023 NFL season, but they’ll have to make a title chase without one of their best players.
Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending torn ACL during practice on Thursday in Frisco, as reported by Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
An MRI already confirmed Trevon Diggs' injury, per source. He's done for the season. https://t.co/PQ7mS4a9hV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 21, 2023
It’s horrible news for Diggs and a major blow to the Dallas defense.
Diggs, 25, was a second-round pick by the Cowboys in 2020 out of Alabama. In 2021, he led the NFL with 11 interceptions. He has 18 interceptions for his career.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection and 2021 first-team All-Pro had an interception in the Cowboys’ 30-10 win over the New York Jets in Week 2.
⚠️ No Fly Zone ⚠️ @TrevonDiggs
📺: CBS & NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/qLOFfm0sA8
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 17, 2023
The Dallas defense has been the best unit in the NFL this season, allowing 10 total points and 193 total yards over their two victories. The Cowboys also lead the NFL in turnover differential (+7) and interceptions on defense (5). Without one of the league’s top ballhawks in Diggs, Dallas will need other players to step up in the secondary.
According to Jane Slater of NFL Network, the Cowboys’ plan is “to move DaRon Bland outside, Jourdan Lewis goes inside and you got Noah Igbinoghene for depth per a team source.”
So I’m told the plan in light of the Trevon Diggs injury (season ending ACL tear) is to move DaRon Bland outside, Jourdan Lewis goes inside and you got Noah Igbinoghene for depth per a team source. #cowboys
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 21, 2023
Here’s a look at how NFL fans are reacting to the news of Diggs suffering a torn ACL:
Trevon Diggs injury is a huge loss for the Cowboys secondary.
Over the last 3 seasons, no DB has held opposing QBs to a lower passer rating as the nearest defender in coverage according to @NextGenStats (min. 100 targets). Diggs' 15 Int are the most in the NFL over that span. pic.twitter.com/GYxpMYYrDi
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 21, 2023
Lowest passer rating allowed by CBs:
Trevon Diggs, Cowboys 1.0
DaRon Bland, Cowboys 16.7
Steven Nelson, Texans 40.3
Rasul Douglas, Packers 41.9
Isaiah Oliver, 49ers 52.1
Christian Benford, Bills 52.1— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) September 18, 2023
There should be no diminishing the significance of the #Cowboys losing CB Trevon Diggs.
Dan Quinn is exceptional DC. Team is fortunate to have Gilmore, Bland and depth at position.
But Diggs is exceptional ballhawk as his 18 INT prove. Defense will not be as good without him.— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 21, 2023
You should be very bummed that you don’t get to see a great player like Trevon Diggs for the rest of the season, and sad that the Dallas defense won’t reach the same height it could have.
but between the talent on hand & Dan Quinn’s ability as a DC, it’s not a season sinker. https://t.co/MC4C0euFDY
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) September 21, 2023
