Trevon Diggs’ Return Could Be Cowboys’ X-Factor in Tight NFC Playoff Race

The Dallas Cowboys have staged a dramatic mid-season turnaround. After a poor start, they have won three straight games to reach a 6-5-1 record. This surge has thrust them back into the NFC playoff conversation as December begins.

A key part of this resurgence has been a vastly improved defensive unit. According to ESPN, the return of one specific player could be the final piece needed for a postseason push. That player is two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs.

Diggs Nears Return from Injured Reserve Amid Defensive Surge

Trevon Diggs has not played since mid-October. He was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion and related knee soreness. The Cowboys officially designated him to return from IR this week, starting his 21-day practice window.

However, he was ruled out for the team’s Week 13 game against Detroit. His official return is now targeted for Week 15 at the earliest. ESPN analyst Todd Archer recently named Diggs as the Cowboys’ X-factor for the season’s final stretch.

Archer noted Diggs was not at his 2022 Pro Bowl level before the injury. He suggested a return to form could provide a major boost. The improved defense around him might help him regain his elite playmaking ability.

Revamped Defense Sets Stage for Diggs’ Potential Impact

The Cowboys’ defense has transformed during their winning streak. New additions like Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson have solidified the unit. Rookie Shavon Revel Jr. has also filled in capably at cornerback in Diggs’ absence.

The statistical improvement is stark. In their first nine games, Dallas allowed over 30 points and 397 yards per game. Over the last three wins, they’ve allowed just 21.7 points and 312 yards per contest.

This presents an interesting decision for the coaching staff. Inserting Diggs back into the lineup could disrupt newfound chemistry. Yet his proven ball-hawking talent is too valuable to keep sidelined if he is fully healthy.

A healthy Trevon Diggs adds a game-changing element to an already surging Cowboys defense. His return could be the definitive X-factor that solidifies Dallas as a legitimate playoff threat in a wide-open NFC.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What injury has kept Trevon Diggs out?

Diggs suffered a concussion in a non-football incident at home. He was later placed on injured reserve to address accompanying soreness in his right knee that had been bothering him.

When can Trevon Diggs return to play?

The Cowboys opened his 21-day practice window on December 1st. He was ruled out for Week 13, making Week 15 against the Bengals the earliest possible return date for the cornerback.

How has the Cowboys’ defense played without him?

The defense has improved dramatically, allowing far fewer points and yards. New additions and strong play from rookies have fueled a three-game win streak, tightening up against both the run and pass.

What did ESPN say about Diggs’ role?

ESPN’s Todd Archer named Diggs the Cowboys’ X-factor for the playoff stretch. He believes Diggs can return to his Pro Bowl form and become a key playmaker for the improving defense.

Why is his return timing significant?

The Cowboys are in a tight race for both the NFC East and a wild-card spot. Adding an elite cornerback for the final crucial games could provide a decisive advantage in a crowded postseason field.