Minutes before the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers kicked off Sunday Night Football at AT&T Stadium, word broke that All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs had been benched. Only the second time in his career when he’s been left out of the starting lineup — the first coming as a rookie, Diggs, nonetheless, delivered one of the biggest plays of overtime with a tackle for loss. That held Green Bay to a game-tying field goal as time expired… A 40–40 stalemate to end the game, to be precise. And as far as his standing within the team is concerned, that got answered just in time with the New York Jets coming to town next.

“Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs didn’t start against the Packers because of an off-the-field issue, he said in the locker room,” reported Nick Harris. But the situation appears to be temporary: Diggs is expected to start Sunday, October 5, against the New York Jets. “He expects to start Sunday and respects Brian Schottenheimer’s decision to leave him off the starting lineup last week,” Harris noted on X.  

The two-time Pro Bowler is expected to get more snaps, and Dallas, already struggling on the defensive end, will need him. The Cowboys’ pass defense has been under pressure all season, allowing multiple quarterbacks to rack up big yardage, including 450 yards and three touchdowns to Russell Wilson in a 40-37 overtime loss to New York Giants on September 14. With key defenders like DaRon Bland sidelined due to injury and Micah Parsons traded, the secondary has shown clear gaps, making Diggs’ presence critical as Dallas looks to stabilize its defense against the Jets. But, Diggs, on his part, had accepted the benching.

Diggs’ absence from the starting lineup in the Week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers was a result of disciplinary reasons stemming from both on-field performance and off-field issues. While specific details about the off-field issue were not disclosed, Diggs acknowledged the situation, stating, “I guess coach was holding me accountable, and I accept it.” He referred to it as a “rough week” but also said that he is “back on track this week and ready to work.” Beyond that, Diggs had expressed a preference for more man-to-man coverage, a scheme he feels better suits his skills. Veteran reporter Clarence Hill Jr had shared the update on X, writing, “Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs, who has made his bones in this league as man corner, has asked DC Matt Eberflus to play more man coverage.”

There are many moving parts to this story. Diggs is still learning his way with DC Matt Eberflus, and while he is doing that, there could very well have been a difference in opinions. Diggs wants DC Matt Eberflus to play more man coverage. Eberflus, however, was diplomatic in his response. Eberflus stated that while he understands Diggs’ preference, the team’s defensive scheme primarily utilizes zone coverage, and significant changes may not be forthcoming.

Yet, Diggs stressed that success comes down to being in the right position to make plays, regardless of the defensive system. While knowing that coordinator Eberflus’ scheme doesn’t fully maximize his strengths as a cornerback, Diggs expressed willingness to adapt his game. “I have to be comfortable being uncomfortable,” Diggs said. “It’s not about what I want.” Besides this, Diggs’ recent injuries also played a role in his performance and the coaching staff’s decisions.

His injuries have also played a part. The CB suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a Week 3 practice in 2023, then re-injured the same knee in 2024, cutting his season short after 11 games. Earlier, on January 23rd, he underwent chondral bone graft surgery and returned to action this season. He saw limited action in Wednesday’s practice session. While he looks to start on Sunday, the coach has also shown faith in the CB, sharing his side on the benching decision.

Brian Schottenheimer reveals the reason behind benching Trevon Diggs

“He’s been banged up a little bit,” the coach said, “I’ve been a little tough on Trevon, just in terms of the consistency and things like that. But, man, I thought he played really well tonight. I’m proud of him. And, you know, again, it’s a similar type thing with other guys. I mean, it wasn’t just us picking on Trevon. And Trevon is a hell of a player.”

Coach Scottenheirmer said that Trevon is a key player for the team and praised how he stepped up in the game against the Packers. His decision was considered even more odd since the Cowboys’ struggles with the defense have been a big issue for the team.

The cracks through the system were visible in the last four games of the season. The team allowed New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson to score 450 yards and three touchdowns. Be it for the corner back DaRon Bland’s injury or defensive end Micah Parsons being traded away, the team had obvious issues in defense, which needed help.

Now, Diggs’ presence after getting benched might bring the much-needed boost the defense needs.