As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Thanksgiving clash against the New York Giants, star cornerback Trevon Diggs remains sidelined. Marking his second consecutive week of inactivity, Diggs is dealing with groin and knee injuries that have limited his availability during this critical stretch of the season. His absence is a significant blow to the Cowboys’ defensive unit, as Diggs is a pivotal player known for his ball-hawking abilities and game-changing plays.
Impact of Diggs’ Absence
Diggs has been instrumental in the Cowboys’ defensive success since entering the league. Known for his exceptional ability to read opposing6 quarterbacks and disrupt plays, his absence leaves a void in the secondary. Without Diggs, the Cowboys have relied on a combination of cornerbacks, including Stephon Gilmore and DaRon Bland, to step up and maintain defensive consistency.
However, the challenge grows as the Cowboys face divisional opponents like the Giants. The secondary will need to compensate for Diggs’ unique skill set, including his knack for creating turnovers. For a Cowboys team with playoff aspirations, maintaining their defensive dominance without their star cornerback is crucial.
Additional Cowboys Inactives
Joining Diggs on the inactives list are several key players who also won’t suit up for the matchup. Right guard Zack Martin is sidelined due to ankle and shoulder issues. His absence further complicates matters for the Cowboys’ offensive line, which has already dealt with injuries this season. Tight end Jake Ferguson, out with a concussion, will also miss the game, leaving the Cowboys to lean on their depth at the position.
Other inactive players include:
Deuce Vaughn (RB): The rookie running back will be unavailable, reducing the Cowboys’ backfield options.
Andrew Booth (CB): With both Diggs and Booth out, depth at cornerback will be tested.
Marshawn Kneeland (DE): Missing due to a knee injury, Kneeland’s absence affects the Cowboys’ pass rush.
Ryan Flournoy (WR): The wide receiver will also miss this matchup.
These injuries highlight the depth challenges the Cowboys face, especially as they aim to maintain momentum heading into the latter half of the season.
Giants’ Inactives and Quarterback Adjustments
The Giants, on the other hand, are also dealing with their share of absences. Key inactives include tight end Greg Dulcich, cornerback Deonte Banks, and left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, among others. These absences will test the Giants’ ability to compete against a strong Cowboys team.
Notably, Tommy DeVito, listed as the emergency third quarterback, will not start. Drew Lock takes the reins for the Giants, with Tim Boyle serving as the backup. This quarterback shuffle underscores the Giants’ ongoing struggles at the position and their search for offensive stability.
Matchup Outlook
The Cowboys are favored heading into this divisional game, but the absence of Trevon Diggs and other key players adds a layer of uncertainty. For the defense, maintaining discipline in the secondary and generating pressure on the quarterback will be vital. Offensively, the team must adjust to missing starters like Zack Martin and Jake Ferguson, ensuring they capitalize on opportunities against a depleted Giants roster.
On the Giants’ side, their quarterback situation and missing starters on both offense and defense present significant hurdles. The team will need to play a near-perfect game to overcome the Cowboys, who have dominated their divisional matchups this season.
