Cowboys-Lions Injury Report: Diggs Nearing Return, Guyton Still Sidelined as Key Matchups Loom
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Lions in a high-stakes December showdown, both teams are dealing with some significant injury developments that could shape how this one plays out. Dallas is riding a three-game win streak, fresh off a Thanksgiving victory over the Chiefs, but the injury report is still a major storyline heading into next Thursday.
Let’s start with the big news in Dallas: Trevon Diggs is officially on the comeback trail.
The Cowboys opened Diggs’ 21-day practice window, a strong sign that the Pro Bowl cornerback is nearing a return to action. Diggs hasn’t played in over a month and has only appeared in 19 games since signing a $97 million extension before the 2023 season. Despite carrying a $12 million cap hit this year, he’s only pocketed $9.5 million in cash - a reminder of how much the Cowboys have invested in his long-term role as a defensive cornerstone.
And let’s be honest - they’ve needed him. The secondary has been tested all season.
Last week, they were without second-year corner Caelen Carson (hamstring), while DaRon Bland briefly exited with a foot injury before returning to finish the game. Rookie Shavon Revel, playing in just his third career game, was on the field for every single defensive snap.
That’s a lot to ask from a young player, and while Revel held his own, the return of Diggs would be a massive boost to a defense that’s been adjusting on the fly.
But while there’s optimism on the defensive side, the offensive line is still dealing with a major question mark.
Tyler Guyton, the Cowboys’ starting left tackle, is expected to miss another week after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 12. He sat out the win over Kansas City and, based on comments from offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, he’s not likely to be back in time for Detroit. It’s Guyton’s second injury of the season - remember, he also missed the entire preseason with a bone fracture in his right knee.
The silver lining? Nate Thomas stepped in and delivered.
Thomas, who has now appeared in 12 games this season with two starts, earned praise from Schottenheimer for his performance against the Chiefs. If Guyton remains out, Thomas will likely get the call again - and based on what we saw last week, the Cowboys can feel confident about their depth at tackle.
Lions Facing Their Own Setbacks
The Lions, meanwhile, are coming off a tough Thanksgiving loss to the Packers and may be without one of their biggest offensive weapons next week. Amon-Ra St.
Brown exited that game with an ankle injury and didn’t return. Early fears hinted at a season-ending situation, but head coach Dan Campbell later clarified that St.
Brown is considered “week-to-week.” While it’s good news that the injury isn’t long-term, Campbell didn’t sound optimistic about his star receiver being ready in time for Dallas.
In his words, it’ll take some luck to see St. Brown back on the field within a week.
That’s a major blow for Detroit. St. Brown has been the engine of their passing game, and without him, the Lions will need to lean even more heavily on their run game and supporting cast in the receiver room.
And the injury concerns don’t stop there.
Detroit’s offensive line continues to be a patchwork unit. The team was already down two starters in their Thanksgiving loss, and the remaining three linemen were all listed on the injury report.
The situation took another turn when Frank Ragnow, who had recently come out of retirement in hopes of rejoining the team, failed his physical due to a lingering hamstring issue. The Lions have since confirmed that Ragnow will not be returning in 2025 after all.
That leaves Detroit’s offensive front in a precarious spot - not ideal with Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ pass rush on deck.
Edelman Weighs In: Cowboys Are Contenders
While the Cowboys were off the field over the weekend, they were still in the spotlight. Julian Edelman, speaking on FOX NFL Sunday, offered a glowing assessment of what Dallas has built - especially on defense.
“They have a team that can compete,” Edelman said. “They have a completely different defense than they started the year with.”
He singled out a few key names: Overshown, whose sideline-to-sideline speed is turning heads; Logan Wilson, who’s carving out a role in the middle of the defense; and Quinnen Williams, who’s been a force against the run. On the offensive side, Edelman highlighted the dynamic duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, calling them “a problem” for opposing defenses.
Edelman even went a step further, comparing this Cowboys squad to the Giants teams that got hot late in the season and made deep playoff runs - including two Super Bowl wins at his expense. That’s high praise from a guy who’s been through the wars.
Dak’s Steady Rise Into Elite Company
And then there’s Dak Prescott.
The numbers speak volumes, and they’re starting to sound a lot like Hall of Fame territory. When you stack up Prescott’s career stats against those of Steve Young, the similarities are striking.
Young wrapped up his career with a 96.8 passer rating. Prescott?
He’s currently at 98.6. Young threw for 33,124 yards, 232 touchdowns, and 107 interceptions.
Prescott has already surpassed him in yardage (34,698) and touchdowns (238), while throwing fewer picks (90). And Dak’s only in year ten - Young played fifteen seasons.
Much like Young, Prescott isn’t known for cannon-arm throws or highlight-reel bombs. What makes him special is his precision, poise, and ability to process the game at a high level. He’s not overpowering defenses - he’s outsmarting them.
That’s the kind of quarterback who wins in January.
Looking Ahead
With both teams dealing with key injuries and playoff positioning on the line, this Cowboys-Lions matchup is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing games of the week.
Dallas is getting healthier in the secondary, just as Detroit might be losing its top receiving threat. The Cowboys are trying to patch together their offensive line without Guyton, while the Lions are juggling injuries across their entire front five.
There’s a lot at stake - and a lot of talent on both sides. If the Cowboys can keep trending upward, they’re going to be a tough out down the stretch.