The Cowboys are making significant moves in their secondary ahead of a crucial Week 16 matchup, activating cornerback Trevon Diggs from injured reserve while placing standout CB DaRon Bland on the reserve list. Additionally, Dallas is elevating veteran Corey Ballentine to the active roster, bolstering depth in a position group that's seen its share of highs and lows this season.
Let’s start with the headline: Trevon Diggs is back.
The 26-year-old corner returns after missing time due to injury, and while his 2025 stat line-18 tackles, one tackle for loss, and no picks through six games-doesn’t jump off the page, his presence on the field always demands attention. Diggs brings a physical, ball-hawking style that helped define the Cowboys' defensive identity in recent seasons. His return couldn’t come at a more critical time, especially with Bland heading to the reserve list.
Bland’s absence is a tough blow. He’s been a key piece of this Dallas defense all year, stepping up in a big way during Diggs’ time out. The Cowboys have relied on his playmaking ability and versatility in coverage, and losing him shifts the dynamic in the secondary.
Enter Corey Ballentine, who’s being elevated for this week’s game. He’s a journeyman with experience, and while he may not bring the same level of explosiveness as Diggs or Bland, he’s proven capable of holding his own in spot duty. Expect him to play a rotational role, possibly in sub-packages or special teams, as the Cowboys look to patch things together on the back end.
Diggs, originally a second-round pick out of Alabama in 2020, has come a long way since signing his rookie deal. He locked in a five-year, $97 million extension that includes a hefty $21.25 million signing bonus-a clear indication of how much Dallas values him as a cornerstone of their defense. Now, with the postseason looming and the secondary in flux, it’s his turn to lead.
This trio of moves signals a shift in how the Cowboys will approach their defensive game plan moving forward. With Diggs back in the fold, Dallas regains a proven playmaker. But without Bland, they'll need to lean on depth, scheme, and perhaps a little creativity to maintain the level of defensive excellence they’ve shown for much of the season.
Week 16 just got a little more interesting in Dallas.