The Dallas Cowboys appear to be holding back a physically healthy Trevon Diggs, raising fresh questions about the team’s internal dynamics and its relationship with the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback.
Despite moving well in drills – and even sprinting through the locker room earlier this week – Diggs remains in limbo as the team delays activating him from injured reserve.
The decision adds another twist to a turbulent year between Diggs and the franchise. The 27-year-old began 2025 by rehabbing his knee away from team headquarters, choosing Miami over The Star. Dallas docked his salary by $500,000 for skipping voluntary workouts, though he returned strong enough to play in Week 1.
But tension escalated early in the season when Diggs publicly celebrated the Cowboys’ rare pivot back to man coverage – a style he thrived in under former DC Dan Quinn – after new coordinator Matt Eberflus had installed the league’s highest zone-coverage rate.
Diggs’ “Instant Grits” remark praising the pass rush and man coverage appeared to irk Eberflus, who fired back that he “doesn’t like grits.”
Consistency and responsibility are key to Diggs’ comeback
Weeks later, Diggs suffered a concussion in a home accident, then landed on IR with a knee setback. His 21-day practice window opened Nov. 30, but with nine days left before the activation deadline, Dallas is still hesitating despite his strong physical showing.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Eberflus both insist the holdup is about “consistency,” “discipline,” and Diggs proving he can “do everything the right way.” They cite the ramp-up period, mental readiness, and buy-in during meetings, walkthroughs, and execution.
“He does feel healthy,” Schottenheimer said. “I know he wants to play, but we have to do what’s in the best interest of him and the football team… Ultimately, he’s got to show us he’s ready.”
Eberflus echoed that message Thursday, emphasizing “individual responsibility” and saying the staff is evaluating whether Diggs “gives the best chance to win.”
Diggs’ long-term stay with the Cowboys is also at risk
Diggs’ long-term future is also looming over the situation. Despite ranking second in the NFL in interceptions since 2020, he has missed 28 games in three seasons because of knee issues.
He’s in Year 2 of a five-year, $97 million deal, and the Cowboys could save up to $15.5 million with a post-June 1 release in 2026 if they decide to move on.
Team Executive Vice President Stephen Jones said Monday he still believes in Diggs’ talent – but only if he can stay on the field.
“We’ve got to get him to where he practices well on a regular basis,” Jones said. “When he misses practices, that’s translated into how he’s played in games. I think we can get it out of him.”
For now, Diggs remains active in practice but inactive on Sundays – a healthy star waiting, and wondering whether the Cowboys will let him finish the season.
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