Photo Credit: Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, Texas — For the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, the hits just keep on coming. Cornerback Trevon Diggs and center Tyler Biadasz join the team’s dreadful injury list.
Diggs suffered a fractured bone in his foot and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks according to multiple reports. The injury occurred late in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers and the impressive rookie could potentially be out the remainder of the season. The good news, however ‘good’ can be at this point for the injury-ravaged squad, he will not need surgery but will be required to wear a walking boot. The team expects Diggs to be ready to go in 2021 after a full recovery.
The former second-round pick had started every game for Dallas this season and was off to a promising start. Diggs led the team in interceptions with two, both of the takeaways accumulated for the rookie against Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles. Since Sean Lee accomplished the feat in 2010, no Cowboy rookie has had two interceptions in a single game. The 51st overall pick played a significant role in the improvement of the team’s defense in recent weeks but once again, Dallas will have to rotate players to accommodate injury.
Chidobe Awuzie could be Diggs’ replacement in the secondary. Awuzie has not played since Week two due to a hamstring injury but has practiced the last two weeks in the 21-day practice window. The staff has not been confident enough in his progress for a return to the field and Mike McCarthy has stated he was “just not ready.” Saivion Smith presents more depth at corner. He was activated from the practice squad prior to the Steelers game and replaced Diggs in the fourth quarter.
NFL Network was first to report Diggs’ injury status.
However, he was not the only player to come out of Sunday’s game with an injury. Rookie center Tyler Biadasz suffered a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups and he is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Biadasz had been the starting center the previous four games and Joe Looney took over for him against Pittsburgh.
Executive vice president Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan, “ he was warming up and stretching and unfortunately felt the pop…So, unfortunate for him because he was making a lot of progress, but the great news we’ve got a leader in the room there in Joe who has done a great job for us for several years here.”
Looney started the season starting at center but after spending three weeks on the Reserve/Injured with a sprained knee, he did not regain the starting role from Biadasz.
He is now back in the lineup and coaches, including Kellen Moore raved about the job Looney did on Sunday despite limited reps with Garrett Gilbert.
“ I thought Joe handled it really well, “ Moore told reporters. “ He was prepared. He really got very limited reps at center, certainly with Garrett as well. I thought those two guys; really the operation was very clean. Joe does a good job in there. He gave us an opportunity. “
The Cowboys have their bye week this week, which presents time for healing. The team will not practice as a result of the NFL’s intensive protocols for the coronavirus after a Steelers player tested positive for the virus.
