The Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders square off in an NFC East showdown in Week 7. Unfortunately, the Cowboys revealed they'll be without cornerback Trevon Diggs for the upcoming clash after surprising injury news was revealed on Friday.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that Diggs won't play on Sunday due to a concussion, according toJon Machota of The Athletic. Schottenheimer stated that Diggs had an accident at his home last night, leaving the veteran CB's outlook up in the air.
With Diggs slated to miss this game, his absence will likely thrust Kaiir Elam back into the lineup.
Kaiir Elam Will Be Asked to Step Up for Cowboys with Trevon Diggs Out
Due to all the injuries in the secondary, Elam has started in four games this season. During the 2025 season, he secured 21 total tackles, but he hasn't been able to make a play on the ball. Elam has recorded zero pass breakups and interceptions thus far. He's had his fair share of problems in pass coverage.
According to Pro Football Focus, Elam owns a 58.6 overall grade (97th among 171 graded CBs) and a 55.5 coverage grade (102nd among 171 graded CBs). He has a 141.3 passer rating allowed with 13.8 yards per reception. These numbers don't paint a good picture of his coverage skills, but he is still second on the team in total snaps (292) at cornerback.
He clearly has the support of the coaching staff and without one of their starting CBs on the field, Elam could be asked to start.
This may be a good chance for Elam to have a solid performance, considering the Commanders have already ruled out wideout Terry McLaurin (h/t @RapSheet). Meanwhile, WR Deebo Samuel was a non-participant for Thursday's practice with a heel injury. If Samuel can't play as well, Washington will trot out their backup WRs.
Dallas made the decision to make a dart throw when they acquired Elam this spring. Although things haven't worked out yet, this could be the game where Elam gains some confidence. He hasn't put up the best tape in 2025, but every gameday is a new opportunity to show your worth in the NFL.
This may be Elam's last chance to illustrate that, as Caelen Carson is nearing a return from a knee injury. That's without mentioning Shavon Revel Jr., who is awaiting clearance to practice after a torn ACL last September.