Trevon Diggs supports Micah Parsons amid contract talks; both working towards potential Week 1 return for the Cowboys.
During the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night in Arlington, Texas, attention shifted from the game itself to the ongoing contract dispute between All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons and team ownerJerry Jones. Before the game, Parsons was seen entering AT&T Stadium casually, while Jones engaged in conversation with Parsons’ mother, Sherese. Following the game, Parsons appeared visibly reserved, resting alone on a training table, prompting teammate Trevon Diggs to briefly address his health and contract situation.
Diggs, a Pro Bowl cornerback and close friend of Parsons, cautiously described Parsons’ back condition and did not provide a clear answer about Parsons’ availability for the season opener. Parsons’ back injury and contract impasse have raised speculation, with Jones suggesting the injury might be linked to the ongoing negotiations. Diggs said,
“I don’t know, his back is kind of tight. He had to get an MRI today. I don’t know,”
and added,
“It depends on how his back feels. I know he was really sore this morning. He went to get it checked out, so that’s the last thing I heard from him.”
Reflecting on Parsons’ contract situation, Diggs expressed regret over the unresolved talks, emphasizing Parsons’ importance to the team. He said,
“I wish everything could be handled and everything could be taken care of,”
continuing,
“He’s one of our star players. You know he’s the heart and soul of this team. I just wish things weren’t how they are, different circumstances. You know everybody has to do what’s best for them at the end of the day. I feel like just leave it in God’s hands, and God will figure it out for everyone.”
Following Diggs’ remarks, Parsons humorously checked if only positive things were reported, jokingly asking, “You said all good things?” The moment reflected the camaraderie between the teammates amid the tension. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, a close friend of Parsons and recent signee to a lucrative contract extension, was noncommittal when asked about Parsons’ Week 1 readiness. Odighizuwa replied,
Image of: Trevon Diggs
“I mean, shit bro, I don’t know,”
and chose not to elaborate further.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed confidence that Parsons would take the field for the first game of the season against the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles on September 4, stating postgame, “I do” when asked if he feels good about Parsons’ availability.
Assessment of Trevon Diggs’ Injury and Return Timeline
Trevon Diggs himself faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the season opener due to a knee injury. He reinjured his left knee late last season and underwent chondral tissue graft surgery in January. Diggs reported significant improvements in his recovery but remained cautious about declaring himself ready for Week 1.
Diggs said,
“I feel good. I feel way better than I should right now,”
but on his readiness for the opener, he paused and admitted,
“Maybe, maybe not,”
clarifying,
“I don’t know. We have to see.”
His rehab has accelerated notably in recent days, and he plans to intensify his practice in the 12 days leading up to the season opener to assess his capability during live gameplay. Diggs emphasized the importance of practice for his return, stating,
“I want to practice a lot. I want to get as much practice as possible, get the game reps. Get live reps in. I haven’t practiced in awhile, so I feel like the practice will tell me where I am.”
Despite his potential absence and the departure of veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Diggs expressed confidence in the Cowboys’ secondary. He praised rookie Kaiir Elam’s skills and acknowledged the defense’s collective strength, saying,
“I think they’ll be good. I think they can hold their own. Kaiir [Elam] is really good. He’s fast. He’s smart. He can make plays. I think they’re going to hold their own. It’s not just the corners out there. There’s a whole 11 guys on the field at the end of the day. So as long as everybody plays together and plays as a team, we’ll be OK.”
Contract Disputes and Team Relations Impacting Player Status
Diggs’ relationship with the Cowboys front office has experienced some strain related to his rehabilitation choices during the offseason. His decision to train away from the team’s facility before mandatory minicamp resulted in a contractual penalty that docked $500,000 from his 2025 salary. However, Diggs conveyed that communication with the team on his recovery has improved significantly, indicating a more cooperative dynamic.
Highlighting his eagerness to return, Diggs stated,
“I’m very hungry. I’m itching to get back on the field. I can’t wait.”
His determination underscores the urgency within the Cowboys organization to have both key players healthy and contract situations resolved as the regular season approaches.
What Lies Ahead for the Cowboys’ Defensive Leaders
With less than two weeks until the Cowboys’ season opener in Philadelphia, the uncertain statuses of Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs cast a shadow over the team‘s defensive preparations. Parsons’ contract stalemate and back injury continue to prompt questions, while Diggs’ recovery from surgery remains on a delicate timeline. The Cowboys’ ability to rely on their defensive stars will likely influence their performance against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Coach Schottenheimer’s expressed confidence in Parsons’ return and the defensive depth praised by Diggs offer cautious optimism. The unfolding resolutions regarding both players’ health and contracts will be pivotal as the Dallas Cowboys aim to maintain their competitiveness in the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season.