FRISCO — Almost all Dallas Cowboys have reported to The Star for organized team activities in recent weeks. Even Micah Parsons, still handling contract disputes with team leadership, has made some appearances around the facility in spots.
The lone man out of action? Star cornerback Trevon Diggs. The five-year pro has continued his rehab a surgically repaired left knee… in Miami.
When head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed reporters Tuesday, he made it clear that all parties appear to be on the same page here. He noted that he has spoken with Diggs who has checked in with team doctors.
Make no mistake, the wish from the Cowboys side is for Diggs to perform his rehab with the team, as Stephen Jones details.
“Our understanding is he’s getting the work done and he’ll be back in, and we’ll get a good look at him next week [at the minicamp].”
This situation has a similar feel to last offseason when the Cowboys harbored some frustrations with Diggs’ approach to his ACL rehab. However, Dallas’ No. 1 corner has more to lose at this juncture.
According to a stipulation in Diggs’ contract, he is in danger of losing $500,000 by virtue of his continued absence from the Cowboys’ offseason program. To avoid the fine, he must participate in 84.375% of the club’s activities. (As noted by ESPN.)
Diggs has missed the first two phases in the offseason program and has yet to take part in OTAs. Those are in fact voluntary, but the team’s mandatory minicamp is set to begin a week from Tuesday on June 10 and run through June 12. Absence from those dates would also draw a separate fine.
The Cowboys certainly want him back around the team headquarters though there is a strong possibility Diggs will start the season on the PUP list.
“[We] won’t have a feel for when he’s going to be able to get in the middle of everything until we get to training camp when we’re with him day in and day out and see how he’s progressing,” Jones said.
Diggs’ limited availability over the last two seasons has been a thorn in the Cowboys’ side especially after the extension they signed him to before the 2023 campaign. However these coming weeks unfold, the Cowboys’ ultimate goal is to get Diggs back on the field and ready to compete at a high level again.
