The Dallas Cowboys have made their initial moves as training camp begins, placing three key players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Josh Butler, along with linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, have all landed on the list, signaling a rough start for the team’s defensive plans.
Rookie cornerback Shavon Revel, recovering from a torn ACL, is also on the non-football injury list. While all four players can be activated at any time during camp, their absence raises concerns about the Cowboys’ depth on defense.
Cowboys face setbacks with key players on PUP list
Trevon Diggs’ inclusion on the PUP list isn’t a surprise given his recent struggles with injuries. After suffering a torn ACL in 2023, the cornerback underwent a second surgery on the same knee during the offseason.
The Cowboys’ defense is built around Diggs’ playmaking ability, making his absence from training camp a significant setback. On top of that, the Cowboys decided to dock $500,000 from Diggs’ base salary for choosing to rehab away from the team for much of the offseason, a move that may add some extra motivation for him to return sooner rather than later.
DeMarvion Overshown, another key player for the Cowboys, also finds himself on the PUP list due to a knee injury. The linebacker tore several ligaments last season, leaving his availability for the 2025 season in question.
However, recent medical reports have provided some optimism, suggesting that Overshown could return to action before the end of the year. If he does, his presence could provide a boost to a defense in need of playmaking and versatility, especially after losing key players to injury.
Josh Butler, a cornerback who also tore his ACL last November, joins Diggs and Overshown on the PUP list. Butler’s recovery timeline mirrors that of his teammates, and the Cowboys will be watching his progress closely.
While his inclusion on the PUP list means he won’t be participating in the early stages of training camp, there remains a chance he could return during camp or the preseason if his recovery goes well.
Additionally, rookie cornerback Shavon Revel is recovering from a torn ACL that ended his final season at East Carolina. As a non-football injury, Revel’s situation is slightly different from the others, but he remains a work in progress. His potential as a future contributor is evident, though it’s unclear when he will be fully ready to compete.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the NFL, and the Cowboys are no strangers to them. As training camp progresses, the team will have to make adjustments to fill the gaps left by these players. The status of Diggs, Overshown, Butler, and Revel will be a key storyline for the Cowboys as they prepare for the 2025 season.
How quickly these players can return to form will play a significant role in the team’s defensive success moving forward.
Read the full article here
