Dallas Cowboys Face Major Setbacks with Martin and Diggs Out Against Commanders
WASHINGTON D.C. — The Dallas Cowboys are heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders with a significant handicap. Two of their key players, right guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs, have been ruled out due to injuries. This means the Cowboys will be missing over $100 million in salary-cap space when they take the field. Yes, you read that right—$100 million worth of talent sidelined.
Let’s break it down. Martin, who has been dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries, was listed as doubtful and didn’t practice all week. Diggs, on the other hand, was questionable with groin and knee issues after participating in limited workouts on Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately for Dallas, neither will suit up on Sunday.
And that’s not all. The Cowboys are already without quarterback Dak Prescott ($44.6 million), defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence ($20.4 million), and wide receiver Brandin Cooks ($10 million), all of whom are on injured reserve. Add Martin’s $15.5 million and Diggs’ $15.3 million cap hits, and the Cowboys are looking at a massive financial void on the field.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
While Cooks had his practice window opened last week after dealing with a knee issue, he wasn’t added to the 53-man roster on Saturday. Instead, the Cowboys activated tackle Chuma Edoga (toe) and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee) off injured reserve. Both are expected to play against the Commanders.
To make room for these moves, Dallas placed safety Markquese Belle on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and waived defensive end K.J. Henry. It’s a game of chess for the Cowboys’ front office as they try to patch up a roster riddled with injuries.
Secondary Woes Continue
With Diggs out, the Cowboys’ secondary remains in flux. Incredibly, the team has yet to see its top three cornerbacks play together in a single game this season. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland is set to make his season debut after missing the first 10 games due to surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot. Additionally, nickel corner Jourdan Lewis will return to the lineup after sitting out last week with a neck injury.
Still, the absence of Diggs is a major blow. The Cowboys’ defense has leaned heavily on its secondary to create turnovers and limit big plays, and losing a player of Diggs’ caliber is no small matter.
Offensive Line Shuffle
On the offensive side, Martin’s absence means T.J. Bass will step in at right guard. But the offensive line isn’t out of the woods yet. Left tackle Tyler Guyton and left guard Tyler Smith have also been dealing with injuries this week. The Cowboys are hopeful Martin will be ready for their Thanksgiving Day showdown against the New York Giants, but with injuries to both ankles and his shoulder, his status remains uncertain.
Additional Roster Moves
To further bolster their lineup, the Cowboys elevated tight end Princeton Fant from the practice squad, as Jake Ferguson is out with a concussion. Cornerback Kemon Hall was also elevated for the second straight game, providing some depth in the secondary.
Key Takeaways
- The Cowboys will be without more than $100 million in salary-cap space against the Commanders.
- Zack Martin and Trevon Diggs join a growing list of injured stars, including Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandin Cooks.
- Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland is set to make his season debut, while nickel corner Jourdan Lewis returns from injury.
- Offensive line depth will be tested with T.J. Bass stepping in for Martin and other linemen nursing injuries.
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Commanders, the question remains: Can they overcome these massive setbacks and keep their playoff hopes alive? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this team is being tested like never before.
Originally Written by: Todd Archer
