Trevon Diggs cleared to play Cowboys opener after knee bone graft

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, who underwent chondral bone graft surgery on his left knee in January, was cleared to play in Thursday night’s season opener at Lincoln Financial Field after returning to full practice all week, coach Brian Schottenheimer said. Left tackle Tyler Guyton was also removed from the injury report after full participation, while defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey was ruled out after missing practice all week with a back issue.

Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowler, had his 2023 season ended by a torn ACL and suffered a season-ending injury to the same knee in 2024. The January procedure transplants pieces of bone tissue into the joint to stimulate growth, and team medical staff and coaches said his recovery has progressed faster than many expected. Diggs practiced fully throughout the week and is expected to start at outside corner opposite Kaiir Elam, with DaRon Bland in the slot, though Schottenheimer acknowledged the team may manage his snaps.

The Cowboys’ decision to activate Diggs for the opener carries added significance after the franchise traded Pro Bowl edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in late August, reducing the pass-rush...