NFL Week 7 Injury Shock: Cowboys Lose Trevon Diggs for Key Matchup

The Dallas Cowboys will enter Week 7 without veteran cornerback Trevon Diggs, who has been placed in the league’s concussion protocol following a mystery home accident Thursday night. Diggs reported symptoms consistent with a concussion and will miss the upcoming division matchup against the Washington Commanders. This absence is significant attached to the Cowboys’ defensive struggles so far this season.

Defense Struggles Continue for Cowboys

Dallas enters this week allowing an average of 411.7 yards per game, the worst mark in the NFL, along with a passer rating allowed of 117.0. The loss of Diggs further weakens a secondary that has already faced heavy scrutiny. Rookie cornerback Trikweze Bridges will likely slot into Diggs’s starting role, while second-year player Caelen Carsen is expected to receive increased snaps.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasised the “next-man-up” mentality while acknowledging the disruption posed by Diggs’s absence. Meanwhile, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is nearing a return from an ankle sprain, potentially offering some offensive relief even as the defence takes a hit.

Impact for NFC East and Week 7 Matchup

The Cowboys currently sit at a 2-3-1 record, trailing the Commanders (3-3) in the NFC East. With Diggs unavailable, Dallas faces an uphill battle in this weekend’s contest. The Commanders are expected to exploit the weakened secondary, increasing their chances to claim the division lead.

From a strategic standpoint, the injury alters Dallas’s game-plan, shifting pressure onto the pass rush and forcing a heavier reliance on blitzes and zone coverage. With just half the season complete, each game carries heightened importance for playoff positioning.

How the Cowboys Are Responding to Injury

Diggs will remain in the concussion protocol and must clear a series of tests before being cleared to play. His absence may last multiple weeks depending on symptom progression. In the meantime the Cowboys will rotate Bridges and Carsen in the secondary and may adjust defensive packages to account for the weakened back-end.

For fans and analysts alike the key question is how Dallas responds under pressure and whether the offence can compensate. With Lamb expected back, the team must perform on both sides of the ball if it intends to reclaim momentum in the NFC East.