Cowboys Reportedly ‘Open for Business’ at NFL Trade Deadline, ‘Defensive Help’ Eyed – Mike Chiari, Bleacher Report
Deal or no deal for the Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly looking to wheel and deal leading up to the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Cowboys have made
it known in league circles that they are “open for business,” and in search of defensive help. However, an anonymous NFL general manager told Russini they believe the Cowboys “should go get a running back.”
Prior to the start of the 2025 regular season, the Cowboys traded superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, so it is no surprise that Dallas has struggled defensively. The Cowboys are last in the league in total defense with 411.7 yards allowed per game, and 31st in scoring defense, allowing 30.7 points per contest. Conversely, Dallas has been excellent on offense with a league-leading 387.5 total yards per game, plus 29.7 points per game, which ranks third.
Unfortunately, the poor defense has overshadowed the high-powered offense to the point that the Cowboys have a losing record at 2-3-1. If major changes are made to the defense before the deadline, last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers may prove to be the impetus. Dallas surrendered 30 points to a Panthers offense that was previously averaging a shade over 20 points per game.
The driving force behind Carolina’s offensive success against the Cowboys was running back Rico Dowdle, who was previously with the Cowboys from 2020 to 2024. In his first game against his old team, Dowdle rushed for 183 yards on 30 carries, while also catching four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. That naturally led to questions about whether the Cowboys erred in letting Dowdle leave via free agency. However, Dallas has maintained a strong running game in its own right this season.
Jerry and Stephen Jones have made Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs mystery even more alarming – Luke Norris, The Landry Hat
The Cowboys front office has made the situation with Diggs very bizarre.
The Dallas Cowboys are never short on drama—that could legit be the understatement of the century or even the team motto, for that matter—and there’s certainly plenty of it surrounding America’s Team heading into their Week 7 rivalry matchup with the Washington Commanders, this time involving cornerback Trevon Diggs. On Friday, it was announced that the two-time Pro Bowler had an accident at his home on Thursday night, which ultimately resulted in a concussion, and will sit out Sunday’s nationally televised contest. Here’s what head coach Brian Schottenheimer had to say on the matter:
“Trevon Diggs came in this morning with some concussion symptoms after having an accident at his home. “He’s been checked out by our doctors and is in the protocol and will miss the game.” As Schottenheimer failed to elaborate on exactly what caused the concussion, some thought the answer might come from Jerry or Stephen Jones. But at the time of this writing, Jerry has kept quiet on something for once, which is obviously uncharacteristic. And when Stephen was specifically asked about the matter, he declined to comment. Well, that’s not alarming in the slightest, is it?
Are the Cowboys staying silent on Trevon Diggs’ concussion for a reason?
Look, those outside the organization obviously don’t need every little detail on every single player. But the Joneses know that staying quiet on something like this is only going to lead to all sorts of speculation. One little statement from Stephen when asked could’ve cleared everything up, and he instead chose not to say anything.
Now, perhaps he genuinely doesn’t know what happened. Or maybe he does and simply wanted to protect Diggs’ privacy. But if NFL insider Josina Anderson’s report that “Diggs’ home concussion did not result from a dispute” is to be believed, which is certainly the hope, what is there to really protect? If the guy fell down and hit his head, the guy fell down and hit his head. Sure, it might be a little embarrassing for Diggs, but those things happen. And if that’s what went down, somebody simply needs to say that.
Opposite Strengths and Weaknesses Make Cowboys-Commanders a must-watch – Mark Heaney, Inside the Star
Styles make fights. The differences between Dallas and Washington will make for an entertaining game.
You can feel it in the air: fall has arrived, and the football season is in full swing. Another indicator of the season is when we see navy and maroon squaring off in a Cowboys–Commanders matchup. It is arguably the most infamous NFL rivalry, and the next chapter in its history will be written tomorrow with this Week 7 showdown. The Dallas-Washington matches this year will be especially interesting to watch, because both teams carry differing strengths and weaknesses. Dan Quinn may have brought players over with him, but these two squads are very different. If you want any chance at having accurate expectations going into this battle, you’ll have to know how these two rosters differ, so let’s dig in.
1. The Weaponry: Wide Receiver Rooms On Opposite Ends
At first glance, you may think the Cowboys–Commanders wide receiver rooms match up well. Terry McLaurin and CeeDee Lamb leading their packs, with George Pickens and Deebo Samuel backing them up. You’d be right, except this week. Dallas is getting their best players back, with Lamb and KaVontae Turpin returning, while Washington will miss McLaurin from injury and potentially Samuel as well.
While the Cowboys roll out a slew of star receivers and exciting depth pieces, the Commanders could have a wide receiver room headed by Luke McCaffery, Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore. Needless to say, these two will be very different in the wide receiver department this Sunday, even if Samuel manages to make it on the field.
2. The Front Seven: Linebacker Difference Could Decide The Game
We all know the Cowboys’ biggest weakness is their linebackers. In DeMarvion Overshown’s absence, the team has relied on Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn, Marist Liufau, and rookie Shemar James. You don’t need me to tell you it hasn’t exactly gone well. Especially in the case of Murray and Sanborn, the two veterans have arguably been the worst players on the roster. Washington cannot relate in the slightest. Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, and Von Miller headline one of the strongest linebacking corps in the league. Even in their elder age, these guys are as strong as it gets, and it presents a major mismatch for these two defenses. Dallas must contain Washington’s linebackers and improve in some way on their end.
Updates: Carson activated off IR – DallasCowboys.com
A Cowboys corner makes his return.
After hyperextending his knee in training camp, second-year CB Caelen Carson has been activated off of injured reserve and back on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.
Carson’s return gives the Cowboys more depth and the cornerback position, and his return comes at a good time with Trevon Diggs (concussion) out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
Additionally, Dallas elevated RB Malik Davis from the practice squad for Sunday. Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, who is still on the reserve/DFR list, was ruled out and will remain on injured reserve for now. His 21-day return to practice window, which started on the same day as Carson’s, will close on Wednesday.
