Dallas Cowboys: Losing Trevon Diggs another blow to beleaguered defense

Dallas Cowboys rookie corner Trevon Diggs is likely done for the year due to injury.

Dallas Cowboys rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs has been a young, promising prospect on a defense that has severely underperformed. Unfortunately, in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9, Diggs suffered a bone fracture in his foot and will miss a minimum of 4-6 weeks, likely ending his season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 

Given the fact that the secondary for the Cowboys is largely thin, this loss extends even greater pressure on a team that went down to the wire with unbeaten Pittsburgh before ultimately coming up short.

As a rookie, Diggs has registered 41 tackles and two interceptions, both of which came in a 23-9 loss to the Eagles. The stats have not been as gaudy as some would expect but, given the circumstances, he has been a bright spot and would’ve benefitted from more time. Regrettably, he will likely be doing it next season.

What can the Dallas Cowboys do at this point of the season?

It’s not as if the Cowboys have nothing at all on defense. Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, DeMarcus Lawrence and a revitalized Aldon Smith are all present in Dallas. But collectively, as portrayed on the gridiron, the results from Mike Nolan’s unit have been inadequate.

Furthermore, Dallas has already lost a number of players on the defensive line to trades, releas, or injury. In other words, the depth of the defense, let alone the starting lineup, is on the verge of resembling a bare cupboard.

With the deficiencies on defense comes the heavy burden of pressure on the offense, who are now operating with their fourth-string quarterback in Garrett Gilbert following the injuries to Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton, then the benching of Ben DiNucci.

This season has been a disaster for Dallas. Though they still have a chance to win the NFC East, it would only derail their chances of landing more impact players in the draft unless they choose to trade contracts and acquire assets for the future. Only time will tell what Jerry Jones decides to do.