The Cowboys have activated CB Caelen Carson from injured reserve to the 53-man roster, per a source. Was the plan this week before Trevon Diggs’ concussion? The Cowboys had an open roster spot. Also, RB Malik Davis has been elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 18, 2025

The team doctors placed Diggins under concussion protocol on Thursday, after an accident. With the starting cornerback off the roster, the Cowboys’ defense is vulnerable. They already rank as one of the worst pass defenses in the league, allowing an average of 286.5 passing yards per game.

“This is the NFL and if you’re unsure what’s going to happen just wait because something is going to happen. And you deal with it, and you don’t lose sleep over it. The biggest thing is just the concern for Trevon that he’s OK. But seems like he is.” Brian Schottenheimer told ESPN.

Diggins posted 20 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 pass deflections this season. Caelen Carson steps up to fill the void in a thinning defense. Overall, before going on IR Carson started in 6 games and posted 27 tackles and defended 4 passes. In week 7 he eyes his first start against the Commanders this season.

Cowboys scramble after Diggs setback

Diggs’ injury elevated the depth for rookie cornerback Trikweze Bridges and running back Malik Davis from the practice squad.

“We adjust always when you get into game day, but it doesn’t change. It’s a good plan. I like the plan. We have to go out and execute the plan. It’s going to come down to us going out and playing well against a really good Commanders offense,” Schottenheimer told ESPN.

In the secondary after trading off outstanding pass-rusher Micah Parsons, losing Diggs makes the problem worse. There are now fewer disruptions and lower pressure rates as a result of the trade. The Cowboys’ defense was rated 29th in completion percentage allowed at 71.8 and 32nd in points allowed per game, 30.7 during the first six weeks of the season.

The offense of the Washington Commanders continues to thrive in the meantime. Through six games, they totaled 2,074 total yards, which includes 1,238 passing yards and 906 rushing yards. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt recorded 344 yards on the ground, 5.7 yards per carry, while quarterback Jayden Daniels has thrown for 875 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Commanders try their best to pierce through the reinforced secondary. If the Cowboys fail to sustain their drives, the game may serve as a harsh reality.