The Dallas Cowboys injury report in 2020 has resembled a car wreck. The areas that have been the most affected have been the offensive line and the secondary. The latter was decimated in the Cowboys 30-7 win against the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday with rookie Trevon Diggs, Chidobe Awuzie, and Donovan Wilson on the sidelines.
Diggs has been on injured reserve since November 18 after suffering a fractured foot in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Awuzie was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list last week, and Wilson is dealing with a groin issue. Even with that being said, Head Coach Mike McCarthy is hopeful that all three will return to the practice field on Wednesday, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
In his last five games before suffering a broken foot, Diggs was hitting his stride. He recorded 22 tackles, eight passes defended, and also hauled in the first two interceptions of his career in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. For the season, Diggs has 48 tackles and 10 passes defended in just nine games.
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Cornerback is arguably the hardest position to transition from college to the pro level, and Diggs is already showing why a second-round pick was used on him in 2020.
Awuzie has had a rough season, to say the least. In addition to currently being on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, he spent six weeks on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. These setbacks couldn’t have come at a worse time for Awuzie with 2020 being a contract season.
He has yet to prove consistently that he’s worthy of a second deal with the organization, however, he may have a chance to finish strong in the final three games if he returns this week.
Wilson’s star started to shine during his rookie campaign in 2019. He led all defensive backs with three interceptions in the preseason and was primed to challenge for a starting role before an ankle injury derailed his first year in the NFL. However, Wilson has reignited the hype behind him in 2020. He registered 53 tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 2.5 sacks in seven starts before his injury.
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Not only is the former sixth-round pick skilled against the pass but he also shows great support in the run game. In a league that’s predicated on huge offensive numbers, it’s a great luxury to have a well-rounded safety like Wilson.
The Cowboys still have an outside chance at winning the NFC East at 4-9 with the division’s leader, the Washington Football Team, sitting at just 6-7. If they are to make a run at the postseason they’ll need all hands on deck and getting Diggs, Awuzie, and Wilson back would be a huge boost.
