The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2025 season focused on regaining stability after sending a challenging year marked by injuries behind them, with the recovery of standout cornerback Trevon Diggs becoming a central narrative of training camp. As Diggs works to overcome offseason knee surgery, the team remains hopeful about his return, although his availability for the season opener remains uncertain.
Despite not participating fully in recent practices due to his rehabilitation, the two-time Pro Bowler‘s progress has injected cautious optimism into the Cowboys’ defense. This hopeful outlook has simultaneously raised critical questions about the quality and readiness of the depth chart backing him up.
Progress and Challenges in Diggs’ Road to Recovery
Trevon Diggs has spent much of the offseason on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, unable to practice at full speed following surgery earlier this year. The 26-year-old cornerback’s injury saga is not new; after tearing his ACL, he played just two games in the 2023 season and struggled with health problems throughout 2024. However, coaches and teammates increasingly view his recovery as positive as camp advances.
I’m hearing conversations centered around the Cowboys being ecstatic with Trevon Diggs’ rehab process,
shared team reporter Ernie the Cowboys Fan on X, highlighting the growing confidence surrounding Diggs‘ return.
Since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Diggs has established himself as one of the league’s most electrifying defensive backs. His 2021 campaign was especially impressive, leading the NFL with 11 interceptions and scoring twice on pick returns, achievements that earned him All-Pro recognition and solidified his role under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Though his interception numbers dropped in 2022, Diggs still earned a Pro Bowl nod, proving his consistent value as a defensive leader. Unfortunately, the consecutive seasons disrupted by injury have hampered his momentum, leaving the Cowboys vulnerable in their secondary. While fellow cornerback DaRon Bland made a significant impact with a record-setting season, Dallas’ potential success remains heavily dependent on Diggs returning to peak form.
Evaluating Dallas’ Secondary Options Amid Uncertainties
Despite the encouraging updates on Diggs, the Cowboys face difficult decisions regarding their defensive backfield depth. Rookie Shavon Revel Jr. is also recovering from knee surgery and has yet to contribute fully, forcing the team to rely on less proven players during practice sessions.
One such player, Andrew Booth Jr., a former second-round pick, appeared in seven games during the previous season but failed to secure a firm role in the rotation. Booth’s performance statistics showed an 80 percent completion rate by opponents, with nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns allowed, according to Pro Football Reference. These numbers have raised serious concerns about his future with the team, especially following recent investments in fresh cornerbacks through both the draft and undrafted free agency.
There are plenty of signs they weren’t satisfied with the play of Booth in 2024. But the injury status of Revel and Trevon Diggs could give Booth a second chance to show what he’s got.
This assessment suggests that while Booth’s spot is uncertain, injuries to key players like Diggs and Revel might provide him more opportunities to prove his value during the preseason.
Potential Moves to Strengthen the Secondary
Should the internal options not meet expectations, the Cowboys might seek external reinforcements. Speculation from Sports Illustrated indicates that the team could target free agent Asante Samuel Jr., who remains unsigned after departing from the Los Angeles Chargers. Adding a veteran cornerback like Samuel could help stabilize a defensive unit coping with injury setbacks and the need for reliable playmakers.
With the Cowboys determined to solidify their defense before the season begins, the status of Trevon Diggs’ health and availability will remain critical to their secondary’s overall effectiveness and depth in 2025. The team’s ability to navigate through injuries and roster decisions will likely shape their defensive identity and potential success in the upcoming campaign.