The Dallas Cowboys entered the new week with a wave of encouraging news as several key players, including cornerback Trevon Diggs and rookie offensive tackle Tyler Guyton, returned to the practice field on Monday. With the NFL regular season rapidly approaching, the return of these contributors could not come at a more important time for head coach Mike McCarthy’s team.
Diggs, who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during practice last September, has been one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Cowboys’ defense. The two-time Pro Bowl corner missed the majority of the 2023 season, leaving Dallas to rely heavily on DaRon Bland, who delivered a breakout campaign with a league-record five pick-sixes. Still, the absence of Diggs was felt against some of the league’s top receivers, particularly in critical games late in the year.
On Monday, Diggs shed any lingering doubts about his progress by participating in team drills for the first time in months. Though the Cowboys’ medical staff continues to monitor his workload closely, teammates and coaches alike were energized to see No. 7 moving with confidence and cutting sharply during one-on-one reps. “It’s huge to have Trevon back out there,” said safety Malik Hooker. “He brings a different level of energy, and just knowing we can have both him and DaRon on the field together again, that’s special.”
For the Cowboys’ secondary, Diggs’ return could prove vital. The NFC East boasts several elite receivers, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia, and Terry McLaurin in Washington. Adding Diggs back into the mix alongside Bland and veteran Stephon Gilmore provides Dallas with one of the league’s deepest cornerback groups—something defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is expected to lean on heavily this fall.
Meanwhile, the offensive line also received a boost with the return of Tyler Guyton, the team’s first-round draft pick out of Oklahoma. Guyton had missed several practices with a minor ankle sprain, raising some concerns about the readiness of a unit that struggled with consistency last season. The 6-foot-7 rookie was immediately slotted back in with the starters at left tackle during position drills, a sign that Dallas intends for him to protect Dak Prescott’s blind side from day one.
Guyton’s presence is especially critical after the departure of longtime cornerstone Tyron Smith, who signed with the New York Jets this offseason. The Cowboys believe Guyton’s combination of athleticism and size can help stabilize the offensive line, which must improve both in pass protection and run blocking for Tony Pollard’s replacement in the backfield. Early reports out of camp suggest that Guyton has handled the learning curve well, impressing veteran teammates with his poise. “Tyler’s got all the tools,” said guard Zack Martin. “The more reps he gets, the better he’s going to be. Having him back healthy is a big step forward for our offense.”
Alongside Diggs and Guyton, several other players returned to action Monday, including linebacker Damone Clark and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. Clark had been dealing with a hamstring strain, while Tolbert missed time with a minor shoulder injury. Both are expected to be key rotational contributors this season, and their availability further underscores the Cowboys’ improving health heading into September.
McCarthy, speaking after practice, emphasized the importance of getting his roster back on track. “This is the time of year where you want to start seeing your team come together,” McCarthy said. “Getting Trevon, Tyler, and others back on the field gives us momentum. We still have work to do, but I like where we’re headed.”
For Dallas, the timing could hardly be better. The Cowboys face a grueling early schedule, including matchups with the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers within the first month. Having as close to a full roster as possible will be critical in avoiding the kind of slow start that has haunted them in past seasons.
If Monday’s practice was any indication, the Cowboys are getting closer to full strength and with stars like Diggs and key newcomers like Guyton back in uniform, optimism is starting to rise in Dallas.
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