As the Dallas Cowboys progress through training camp in Oxnard, California, significant doubts surround the cornerback position, largely due to the ongoing recovery of All-Pro Trevon Diggs from a knee injury. The team remains uncertain about when Diggs will resume full on-field duties, raising concerns about the defense’s readiness and depth.
Despite being observed engaging in light fieldwork, no official timeline has been provided for Diggs’ full return, leaving the Cowboys without clarity on when their top ball hawk and coverage specialist might rejoin regular practice and gameplay. This ambiguity presents a major challenge for a defense that depends heavily on Diggs’ playmaking skills.
Growing Challenges in the Cornerback Unit
Multiple injuries have compounded the difficulties at cornerback beyond Diggs’ situation. Rookie Shavon Revel Jr., a third-round pick anticipated to contribute early, is also sidelined with a knee injury and has yet to demonstrate full mobility during drills. Although he has increased his participation in individual workouts, his readiness for live action remains in question.
Additionally, defensive backs Josh Butler and Caelen Carson continue to manage their own injuries, leaving defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus with limited options less than a month before final roster decisions. To bolster the depleted group, Dallas recently signed cornerback Christian Matthew, a former late-round pick with minimal NFL experience, though his long-term role on the squad remains uncertain.
“Cornerback is an area of concern,” Cowboys Insider John Machota wrote in The New York Times on Monday.
“No one knows when Trevon Diggs (knee) will be able to return. Entering camp, there was belief that rookie Shavon Revel Jr. (knee) would start practicing at some point in California, but that timetable remains uncertain,” he added.
Contract Issues Add to Team Frustration
Concerns for the Cowboys extend beyond health to contractual matters involving Diggs. After signing a $97 million extension in 2023, Diggs faced a $500,000 salary reduction due to completing part of his offseason rehabilitation outside the team’s facilities. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones defended this salary penalty, citing contractual obligations that require participation in team-organized rehab activities.
“He certainly paid a price for not being here,” said Jones on 105.3 The Fan radio on July 29.
“But we’re paying a price, too, because we felt like he’d might be further along had he done his rehab here. He may differ with that. But had he done his rehab here, we feel strongly that he might be further along,” he added.
Emerging Players Step into the Spotlight
With key corners unavailable, the focus has shifted to newer additions such as Kaiir Elam, acquired in a March trade from the Buffalo Bills. Elam has been quietly establishing himself as a reliable presence throughout practice sessions, offering some stability amid a group challenged by injury setbacks and uncertainty.
The Cowboys face a pressing need to resolve these cornerback issues quickly, as the defensive backfield will be tested heavily once the regular season begins. The timeline for Trevon Diggs’ full return remains uncertain, and the team’s ability to fill gaps behind him will likely influence their defensive performance in the months ahead.