Trevon Diggs returns to Cowboys practice following toe injury, Sam Williams exits again

Newly-extended cornerback Trevon Diggs returned to the practice field for team drills for the first time in Cowboys training camp on Tuesday.

The fourth-year cornerback was previously dealing with a toe injury so he only practiced in limited capacity for the first few days of camp. His return is well-timed as Dallas currently has several members of the secondary nursing injuries, including cornerback Jourdan Lewis on PUP.

Another Cowboys injury impacting the defense this week is defensive end Sam Williams‘ shoulder strain. He exited practice early on Monday, and though he returned for individual drills on Tuesday, he once again left practice as the defense continued on to team drills.

Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams had 22 tackles with four sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season.

Meanwhile, another defensive lineman, Dorance Armstrong, was working out with the rehab group due to hamstring tightness. The 2018 fourth-rounder has been a consistent contributor for Dallas over the last five seasons. In 2022, he had a career-high 8.5 sacks.

Cowboys out two safeties for “several weeks”

Last week, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Donovan Wilson and Israel Mukuamu both suffered multi-week injuries on Wednesday, which was the first day of training camp.

Wilson suffered a calf strain on his right leg that could put him out 4-6 weeks. Meanwhile, Mukuamu reportedly pulled a hamstring.

“I think both are multiple-week injuries,” McCarthy said. “When you get into the specifics of both of the injuries, we’ll probably have a better idea on Monday.

“You never want to see anyone have an injury but this is how training camp has always gone. Our young corners and young safeties will get work. The ability to get reps with the first group is very beneficial.”

While Wilson led the Cowboys defense in tackles in 2022, Mukuamu worked as a backup behind Jayron Kearse. He racked up 17 tackles and an interception in 15 games played. The interception was the first of his career for the former South Carolina sixth-rounder.

With the safeties out for the foreseeable future, third-year safety Markquese Bell will get more reps, as well as Tyler Coyle and Juanyeh Thomas.

Despite an early exit from camp, both defensive backs were hard at work this summer to be in shape, according to McCarthy.

“Both these men were voted for the workout awards, that speaks volumes,” McCarthy said. “They put a lot of time in at the facility during the five weeks off. The injuries are personal. You know they’ve done the work.”