The Dallas Cowboys are in the thick of a playoff push, and with the NFC East still up for grabs, every game down the stretch matters. But if they’re going to run the table and challenge the Philadelphia Eagles for the division crown, they’ll need all hands on deck-including a healthy and fully engaged Trevon Diggs.
Diggs, who’s been sidelined on injured reserve, recently had his practice window opened back on Nov. 30.
That’s typically the first sign that a return is on the horizon. But here we are weeks later, and the Cowboys still haven’t activated him to the 53-man roster.
So what’s the holdup?
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer offered some insight this week, and it goes beyond just Diggs' physical health. According to Schottenheimer, the Pro Bowl cornerback is still in what the team calls a “ramp-up period”-not just physically, but mentally as well.
“He does feel healthy, I know he wants to play,” Schottenheimer said. “But at the end of the day, we have to do what we think is in the best interest of not just him, but also the football team.”
That’s a telling quote. It suggests the staff isn’t just evaluating Diggs’ knee-they’re watching how he’s preparing, how he’s practicing, and how he’s interacting with the evolving defense around him.
Schottenheimer made it clear: returning from injury isn’t just about being cleared by the trainers. It’s about being fully locked in.
“When you miss time, there’s a ramp-up period for not just your body, but your mind - figuring out the defense, and there’s some new faces in the huddle,” Schottenheimer said. “I love him as a player, but ultimately he’s got to show us that he’s ready to do everything the right way.”
That’s a high bar, especially for a player of Diggs’ caliber. But it also speaks volumes about the standard being set inside the building. The Cowboys aren’t just looking for talent-they’re demanding total buy-in.
There’s been some chatter earlier this season about Diggs’ preference for man coverage and his frustration with the team’s increased reliance on zone. That’s not unusual for a ballhawk like Diggs, who thrives on being aggressive and jumping routes. But when you’re coming off IR and the team is in playoff mode, adaptability and accountability become non-negotiable.
Team reporter Nicole Hutchison noted that Schottenheimer emphasized the need for Diggs to be more consistent-not just on the field, but in meetings and preparation. That’s the kind of comment that raises eyebrows.
It doesn’t mean Diggs has been skipping sessions or slacking off, but it does suggest the coaching staff is watching everything. And they’re not handing out playing time on reputation alone.
This is the culture Schottenheimer-and the Cowboys overall-are trying to build. Earlier this season, he benched CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for a single drive after they missed curfew. That might sound minor, but it sends a message: no matter who you are, the standard is the standard.
So where does that leave Diggs?
Right now, he’s still in limbo. The team hasn’t ruled him out for the season, but they’ve made it clear he has to earn his way back.
And with the Cowboys needing to win out, every inactive spot becomes more valuable. If Diggs isn’t ready-physically, mentally, and professionally-he might not see the field again this year.
And looking beyond this season, it’s fair to wonder what this means for his future in Dallas. The Cowboys have shown a willingness to move on from big names if they don’t fit the culture or the plan.
Whether Diggs is part of that long-term vision remains to be seen. But right now, the message from the team is clear: health is just one piece of the puzzle.
Accountability is the rest.