There are a trio of Dallas Cowboys standouts who are top-of-mind at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. And you can recite those names - Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons - by rote.
But beyond the contract talks with those three Pro Bowlers, there is another category of concern: The rehab status of Cowboys injured in 2023. And COO Stephen Jones addressed those, too, with another trio of names.
Trevon Diggs, DeMarvion Overshown and Leighton Vander Esch.
Of Diggs and Overshown (both of whom sustained ACL tears), Jones said they're "coming along great.''
"When you look at the injuries they had, they're going to be out there working (in OTAs), but participating in team activities is probably a reach," Jones said. "They're certainly coming along great. The good news on both of those injuries — if there could ever be good news on an ACL — is that they were done early."
It has as a result been speculated that Diggs, an established star cornerback, and Overshown, the University of Texas product who showed promise last summer as a camp rookie before his injury will absolutely be ready for Oxnard.
We'd suggest a tapping of the brakes here; it's way too early to know, for instance, if they might start camp on the PUP list. ... and it would not be especially troubling if they do.
Diggs is an All-Pro difference-maker; his presence is desperately needed. Overshown has been thrown into a similar grouping by some, but the truth is, he remains an unknown commodity and a raw one. So let's call the Cowboys "hopeful'' that he can be a rotational contributor at linebacker.
Speaking of that position: Jones was also asked if a decision has been made by Leighton Vander Esch about his return vs. his possible retirement as a result of injury concerns. Jones declined to answer, saying essentially that the call is up to LVE himself.
Vander Esch has had to deal with injuries throughout his six years in the NFL, with issues including a broken collarbone and multiple neck issues. His most recent neck injury in 2023 had many speculating during the season that Vander Esch was "contemplating a possible retirement.'' That speculation was premature then ... with some closure coming soon now.
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