The Dallas Cowboys defense just received a huge boost heading into this upcoming season.
On Tuesday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that cornerback Trevon Diggs — who suffered a season-ending ACL tear last season — passed his physical and has been removed from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He added that it would allow the CB to do more, but the team is still exercising caution.
"He's such a playmaker," McCarthy said when asked what the Cowboys missed during Diggs' absence. "Obviously, his ability to go get the football, get his hands on a football, challenge the receiver, the matchups all that."
Through his first four seasons with the club, 25-year-old Diggs has made two Pro Bowls. In 2021, he tied a franchise record for interceptions with 11 in 16 games, earning a first-team All-Pro nod.
Trevon Diggs = Automatic interception
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 10, 2021
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/hAYGvxjk6W
If Diggs stays healthy, he and fellow cornerback DaRon Bland should form one of the best tandems in the NFL. Bland set a league record for pick-sixes last season (five in 17 games) and was named a first-team All-Pro.
DARON BLAND JUST BROKE THE NFL SINGLE-SEASON RECORD WITH HIS FIFTH PICK-SIX OF THE YEAR‼️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 24, 2023
(via @dallascowboys)pic.twitter.com/BTjADFUah5
"I mean, a lot of people are not expecting what Tre is gonna come back with," Bland said in May, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "I know what Tre is gonna come back with. It's going to be something dangerous. Can't wait."
This offseason, the Cowboys hired Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator after Dan Quinn accepted the head coaching job with the Washington Commanders.
Despite the scheme change, Sean Martin of SB Nation noted the secondary still looks strong at the beginning of training camp. With Diggs returning, it should get even better.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!