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Packers gain extra playoff hope after a promising first look at Trevon Diggs offers early encouragement

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 9:29 AM ET

Trevon Diggs came to help. It's impossible to expect him to play at his former All-Pro level with so little practice time, but it's very possible that the new Green Bay Packers' addition at cornerback can be an upgrade over what the defense previously had — especially with the defensive backfield suffering so many injuries.

Diggs was claimed off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday. He practiced Thursday and Friday, and was able to play 33 defensive snaps on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

The cornerback played 18 coverage snaps, ending the game with a 76.3 PFF coverage grade (highest on the team), one stop, and a 56.3 passer rating when targeted. That's a promising early result, especially considering the Vikings played their starters against Packers' backups.

"It was good for him to hear some of the calls," head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game, "get acclimated with our defense, and then we can build on that going into this week."

When asked if Diggs could start next week, LaFleur added that "everything’s up for discussion."

Trevon Diggs can tackle a screen. Upgrade.
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) January 4, 2026

Roster shakeup

Trevon Diggs is the added player with the most upside due to his history in the NFL, but the Packers had to sign and promote players all around the roster. Last week, Nate Hobbs and Kamal Hadden got injured and were placed on injured reserve.

Besides claiming Diggs, the Packers promoted defensive backs Shemar Bartholomew, Jaylin Simpson, and Johnathan Baldwin from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Cornerback Tyron Herring and safety Mark Perry were signed to the practice squad.

The playoffs are right around the corner, and the Packers need all the help they can get to field a competent cornerback room — and to avoid a defensive disaster in the postseason. If Trevon Diggs can offer what he did in limited fashion against the Vikings, that could be major for the team.

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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