Jerry Jones Offers Optimism on Trevon Diggs’ Recovery Amid Cowboys’ Secondary Concerns

As the Dallas Cowboys approach the 2025 season, numerous questions loom over the team’s preparation for the year. From the offensive line’s injury woes to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s backfield, the Cowboys are working through their fair share of challenges. But one concern that continues to raise eyebrows is the status of the team’s secondary, and how it will perform after a season filled with injuries and inconsistency.

Despite the presence of standout players like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, the Cowboys’ secondary ranks among the league’s worst, placing 31st overall in Pro Football Focus’s secondary rankings for 2025. This low ranking has raised questions: How did a secondary with such talent end up near the bottom of the league?

The Diggs Situation: A Major Concern

One of the biggest reasons for the Cowboys’ low ranking is the uncertainty surrounding Trevon Diggs, who has been rehabbing a major knee injury suffered early in the previous season. Diggs is expected to miss at least the first few games of the season, and there’s even a chance that he could remain on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list for a portion of the year, making him eligible to return around Week 5.

Over the past two years, Diggs has dealt with a series of injuries that have limited his time on the field. He hasn’t played a full season since 2022, with back-to-back season-ending injuries stalling his career. While Diggs’ talent when healthy is undeniable, his recent lack of consistent availability has led some to question if he’s lost a step.

Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, however, remains optimistic about Diggs’ recovery, offering a bit of hope to fans concerned about the future of their defense.

“Yes, I think Diggs, hopefully not only as it turns out [might miss] the initial game or games but certainly [not] for the season,” Jones said. “Counting on Diggs to really be a player for us.”

While Jones’ optimism is reassuring, it does little to quell the concerns about how the secondary will perform early in the season without their star cornerback. Diggs’ absence leaves the team with a significant void, and with a banged-up secondary, it’s unclear who can step up in his place.

DaRon Bland’s Inconsistent Development

Another key player in the secondary, DaRon Bland, is also facing his own set of challenges. While Bland made a name for himself in 2023 by breaking the NFL record for most pick-sixes in a single season (five), his performance in 2024 hasn’t been as stellar. Bland struggled to build on his previous success, and his play was noticeably affected by an early-season injury. After missing time with a stress fracture in his foot, Bland returned but appeared a step slower, not quite matching the All-Pro form he had the year prior.

Bland is still considered a key piece of the Cowboys’ secondary, but his inconsistency and injuries raise concerns about his ability to step up and take on a more prominent role in 2025. With Diggs sidelined, the spotlight is now on Bland to prove he can fill that gap and keep the defense intact.

The Safety Position: Steady but Not Spectacular

At safety, the Cowboys have veterans Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson, both of whom bring valuable experience to the table. Hooker, now in his fourth year with the Cowboys, and Wilson, a longtime staple in the secondary, have been steady performers. However, neither player is typically seen as a “superstar,” and their performances tend to fall within the “above average” category rather than elite. While both are dependable, they may not be able to carry the weight of the secondary if the cornerbacks continue to struggle.

In the nickel corner position, Israel Mukuamu holds the starting job, but there’s competition brewing. Kemon Hall has been pushing for the spot, and some believe that he could eventually take over in the role. However, Mukuamu’s performance thus far has given him the edge, leaving uncertainty about who will solidify the nickel position moving forward.

Depth and Health Concerns

Perhaps the biggest worry across the Cowboys’ secondary is a lack of reliable depth. With Diggs on the mend and Bland dealing with injuries and inconsistency, the secondary is thin, and there are questions about who can step up in a meaningful way. Rookie Shavon Revel Jr. has been battling injuries in camp, and the rest of the cornerback depth chart lacks proven NFL talent. Caelen Carson has yet to play meaningful snaps, and Kaiir Elam, projected to fill in for Diggs, has only two interceptions in three seasons, raising questions about his ability to thrive at a high level.

If another injury were to occur, the Cowboys could be in trouble. The lack of depth, combined with ongoing injury concerns, makes it all the more important for Diggs and Bland to return to their full potential. If they don’t, the Cowboys may be forced to scramble for replacements, which could jeopardize their defensive success.

Jerry Jones: A Conservative Approach to Moves

The one thing that has remained consistent under Jerry Jones is the team’s reluctance to make bold moves for outside talent. The last time Jones made a splashy, big-money acquisition was in 2018 when the Cowboys traded for wide receiver Amari Cooper. Since then, the team has been relatively conservative in acquiring new names, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

This lack of aggression in pursuing free agents or making trades could come back to haunt the Cowboys. While the offense has solidified its playmakers, the defense remains a question mark — particularly in the secondary. Jones’ history of conservative roster moves and the lack of urgency in addressing the secondary issue has led to the Cowboys’ low national rankings.

Conclusion: A Secondary Under Scrutiny

The Cowboys’ secondary remains one of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 season. With Diggs recovering from a knee injury and Bland still working through inconsistencies, the defense faces significant uncertainty. While Jones’ optimism about Diggs is encouraging, the Cowboys must address their depth concerns and lack of reliable playmakers in the secondary.

As the season approaches, it’s clear that the Cowboys’ defense could make or break their championship hopes. Until Diggs and Bland return to form — and the team bolsters its depth — this remains one of the most pressing issues in Dallas. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping the Cowboys’ secondary can live up to the high expectations set by their star players.