The Dallas Cowboys received more brutal news on the injury front on Saturday when it was reported Trevon Diggs needs season-ending knee surgery.
Diggs' injury is a cartilage issue, per Stephen Jones. It will require approximately an eight-month recovery that could bleed into next season depending on Diggs' rehab. This news comes after ascending star DeMarvion Overshown tore three ligaments in his knee last week.
The Cowboys simply haven't been able to go a single game without a key player going down. It seemed they escaped Carolina with a 30-14 win in their back pocket with no major injuries. That, unfortunately, was too good to be true.
Jourdan Lewis, one of the team's most important players, was removed in the second half with an apparent elbow injury. Lewis had his elbow wrapped after the game and though he downplayed the injury to Cowboys reporter Patrik Walker, the team wants him to undergo further evaluation.
Cowboys standout CB Jourdan Lewis suffered elbow injury in win over Panthers
Jourdan Lewis tells me he has good mobility in his left elbow, but the #Cowboys want to run more tests on Monday.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) December 15, 2024
Stay tuned. https://t.co/lgsNhYEWdr
Lewis looked to be in good spirits there, but that elbow is wrapped to the nines. The veteran cornerback was in obvious pain before coming off the field. The Cowboys listed him as questionable to return, but with the game in hand he didn't go back in.
Lewis has arguably been the best player on the Cowboys defense this season. He's played at a superstar level (not an exaggeration), but his recognition doesn't extend beyond the Dallas media.
In his eighth season with the team, Lewis entered Sunday with the seventh-highest coverage grade among qualified cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus. He's also first at the position in average depth of target and he's allowed the 13th-fewest receptions.
Lewis' coverage skills were on display Sunday when he deflected a pass that Eric Kendricks intercepted. He allowed just one catch for eight yards and added a third down sack and two defensive stops to boot. The 29-year-old has missed just eight tackles all season. It would be criminal if he doesn't get All-Pro consideration from the slot.
Beyond having arguably the best season of his career, Lewis is a tone-setter for the locker room. He's one of the toughest players on the roster. His energy is contagious.
With Diggs and rookie Caelen Carson out for the year after going under the knife, Dallas cannot afford Lewis to miss any time. We unfortunately don't know the extent of what Lewis is dealing with, but Cowboys fans will be holding their breath until his test results come back on Monday.