Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer
It’s been a nightmare season for the Dallas Cowboys, and unfortunately, the injuries have been the driving force behind it. With a 5-8 record heading into their matchup against Carolina today, the Cowboys’ roster has been decimated by injuries to key players, forcing practice squad members to step into starting roles. If there’s one thing this season has proven, it’s that injuries don’t just derail a team’s chances—they crush them.
Let’s break down just how bad things have gotten for America’s Team, because it’s not just about name recognition—it’s about the positions that have been impacted, and when we look at it through that lens, things get even worse.
The Injury Report: A Roster in Ruins
The list of key players who have missed significant time this season is staggering:
– Dak Prescott (QB1) – The most important position on the field, and without Dak, the offense has been unable to find a rhythm.
– Tyler Guyton (LT1) – The left tackle position has been in flux, leaving the offensive line vulnerable.
– Tyler Smith (LG1) – The Cowboys’ left guard has also been sidelined, further disrupting the offensive line.
– Cooper Beebe (C1) – The starting center has missed time, making matters worse for the front five.
– Zack Martin (RG1) – Even the stalwart right guard has been out, leaving the Cowboys’ offense even more exposed.
– Brandin Cooks (WR2) – A major target in the passing game, Cooks’ absence has been felt by Dak Prescott.
– Micah Parsons (DE1) – The centerpiece of the Cowboys’ defense, losing Parsons has crippled the pass rush.
– DeMarcus Lawrence (DE2) – One of the team’s other top defensive ends, also sidelined.
– Sam Williams (DE3) – Another key pass rusher out for extended periods.
– Marshawn Kneeland (DE4) – The defensive line depth has been completely tested.
– Eric Kendricks (LB1) – The heart of the linebacker corps has missed games, hurting the defense’s middle.
– DeMarvion Overshown (LB2) – Another linebacker down, with Overshown now on Injured Reserve.
– Trevon Diggs (CB1) – The Cowboys’ shutdown cornerback, now lost for the season.
– DaRon Bland (CB2) – One of the Cowboys’ more reliable corners, but even he’s missed time.
– Caelen Carson (CB4) – Depth in the secondary has been depleted.
And when you consider the positions affected—quarterback, offensive line, pass rush, linebacker, and cornerback—it’s easy to see why this season has gone off the rails. The depth of this roster has been tested in ways the Cowboys couldn’t have predicted, forcing practice squad players into crucial roles.
The Devastating Loss of Trevon Diggs
Perhaps the most crushing blow to this already injury-riddled team is the loss of All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs. Sent to Injured Reserve after sustaining a significant knee injury, Diggs will miss the remainder of the 2024 season, following in the footsteps of his brother Stefon, who is also dealing with a knee issue. Although the exact nature of Diggs’ injury hasn’t been disclosed, we know it’s not his ACL, but it’s still a major blow to the Cowboys’ secondary.
For those of us watching, this injury stings on a personal level. Diggs was starting to return to his old form after a slow recovery from a previous knee injury. And just when we were beginning to see the shutdown corner we all loved, his season was cut short again. There’s no sugarcoating the pain of this loss, as Diggs’ ability to make game-changing plays in the secondary is invaluable to the Cowboys’ defense.
It’s also worth noting the emotional toll this injury takes on Diggs, who now faces another long road to recovery. Fortunately, his brother Stefon will be going through a similar rehabilitation process, and having a family member to lean on during such a challenging time might offer some solace.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys?
The injury to Trevon Diggs is a massive setback for the Cowboys, especially in a year that already felt like it was slipping away. The cornerback position is now even thinner, leaving Dallas vulnerable in the secondary. The hopes of watching Diggs and DaRon Bland shut down opposing receivers on opposite sides of the field have all but evaporated. Bland, who has emerged as one of the league’s top boundary cornerbacks, now faces even more pressure with limited help around him.
So what happens now? The cornerback room is in a state of flux. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer now faces the challenge of figuring out who will start opposite Bland for the rest of the season. Will he make strategic moves to see what works, or is he already leaning on a particular player to fill the gap left by Diggs? Given the state of the season, and with Zimmer on a one-year deal, it’s likely he’ll prioritize immediate success over long-term development.
A name to watch here is Israel Mukuamu. He showed flashes of potential in the 2022 playoffs when called upon to step up, but has largely disappeared from the rotation in recent seasons. Now, with the cornerback depth chart stretched thin, Mukuamu could get another shot to make a name for himself. He’s big, athletic, and has the potential to fill the gap left by Diggs—though it’s a tall order.
The Bottom Line: A Lost Season?
When we take a step back and evaluate the big picture, it’s hard to escape the reality that this season is likely lost for the Cowboys. Injuries have ravaged key positions, and despite the best efforts of players like DaRon Bland, the defense can only do so much. The offensive line has been a revolving door, and the loss of Dak Prescott for stretches only compounded the issue.
Dallas has four games left to play this season, but with so many key contributors sidelined, it’s hard to envision this team making a significant run, especially given the depth of talent missing from the roster. And while injuries are a part of the game, no team has been as severely impacted as the Cowboys this year.
For the fans, it’s a painful reality to face. But as we head into the final stretch of the season, all we can do is hope for a bit of redemption, knowing full well that a roster filled with practice squad players and backups is likely going to continue struggling. The real challenge for the Cowboys will come next season, when they’ll need to rebuild and reassess their depth to avoid this type of nightmare from repeating itself.
But for now, the road to recovery for both the Cowboys and their injured stars is going to be a long one. Let’s just hope they have enough left in the tank to give us something to cheer about in the final weeks of 2024.
