The Dallas Cowboys can’t catch a break. While their defensive struggles have been the highlight of this season, they are now compounded by a major absence before their Week 7 clash with the Washington Commanders. Cornerback Trevon Diggs is out for the game, as per the latest reports.

Diggs was all-in with the practice throughout the week. But on Thursday night (Oct. 16th), Diggs got injured and showed up the next day with concussion symptoms and landed on the protocol. The team is still unsure of how the injury happened. As head coach, Brian Schottenheimer explained it:

“Trevon Diggs came in this morning with some concussion symptoms after having an accident at his home. He’s been checked out by our doctors, is in the protocol, and will miss the game. – We’re gathering information. I just learned this information walking over from our doctors.”

Even with a struggling backfield, Diggs has landed 13 solo tackles across 6 games this season. Without his veteran presence on the field, it will be interesting to see how Dallas navigates its shaky backfield. Diggs has been navigating injuries throughout this season, and for now, Brian Schottenheimer is focusing on the next man up:

“It’s part of the business, but it’s unfortunate. We obviously want what’s best for Trevon, and we certainly wish him well. But, next man up. We have a lot of guys we’re excited to evaluate.”

So who are the next stars in the spotlight?

Brian Schottenheimer’s shifting backfield

Caelen Carson has been recovering steadily after landing on the IR following a knee hyperextension injury during training camp. He could be one of the prime candidates to fill Trevon Diggs’ shoes in Week 7. But Carson isn’t alone in Brian Schottenheimer’s evaluations.

Kaiir Elam could find a more solid role now. DaRon Bland and Reddy Stewart continue to hold down the fort in the meantime. Trikweze Bridges could also find himself taking more snaps this Sunday. If nothing else works, Robert Rochell could see an elevation from the practice squad. There’s certainly depth on the roster. But can they finally shore up the defensive weak links for Dallas?

After Week 6’s 30-27 loss at the hands of the Panthers, Diggs had expressed strong disappointment in how the defense had been letting Dallas down so far.

“Yeah, it’s very frustrating. It’s all these points (given up), the receivers are running wide open down the field, too many busted coverages. It’s a lot. I feel like we’re all over the place and we really don’t have no identity.”

The Dallas offense has been firing on all cylinders under franchise quarterback Dak Prescott’s leadership. Star wideout CeeDee Lamb’s potential week 7 return is also a major cause for optimism inside the Star. But with Diggs now marked ‘out’, will the defensive woes continue, or will the team finally carve out an “identity” for themselves? We’ll wait and find out…