5 Critical Dallas Cowboys Injury Updates That Could Derail Their Playoff Hopes (December 2025)

The Dallas Cowboys are in the middle of a brutal late-season stretch, and as of today, December 15, 2025, their official injury report is becoming the most critical document for fans and analysts alike. The push for a high playoff seed is intensifying, but the health of key starters on both sides of the ball is casting a long shadow over their Super Bowl aspirations. The team must navigate a challenging Week 16 matchup while managing several high-profile returns from the Injured Reserve (IR) list and dealing with new, immediate concerns that threaten to thin out their depth at crucial positions.

The latest updates reveal a mix of good news on the horizon, specifically regarding a star cornerback, juxtaposed with immediate worries, particularly on the defensive and offensive lines. Every snap and every practice report now carries monumental weight, as the margin for error shrinks with each passing game. The ability of players to return, and the performance of those stepping up, will ultimately define the Cowboys’ 2025 season.

The Star-Studded Injured Reserve: Trevon Diggs and the 21-Day Clock

The biggest story dominating the Cowboys' injury landscape is the potential return of game-changing cornerback Trevon Diggs. His absence has been a significant hurdle for the defensive secondary all season.

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Trevon Diggs (Cornerback): The Long-Awaited Return

Diggs suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the season, sidelining one of the NFL's premier ball-hawking cornerbacks. However, the most recent and encouraging news confirms that the Cowboys have officially opened the 21-day practice window for Diggs to return from the Injured Reserve list.

This move signals that the team's medical staff and coaching personnel believe he is nearing game readiness, potentially providing a massive boost to the defense just in time for the playoffs. While his return is not guaranteed for Week 16, the activation of the practice window is a significant step, allowing him to practice with the team and for the coaching staff to evaluate his conditioning and performance. The anticipation surrounding his comeback is palpable, as his presence could dramatically alter defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's play-calling flexibility and the entire secondary's effectiveness.

DeMarvion Overshown (Linebacker): A Key Future Piece

Rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who suffered ACL and MCL injuries, has been on the long-term IR list. While his initial projected return was around Week 5, the severity of the dual-ligament injury means his focus remains on a full recovery for the next season. Though not an immediate factor for the 2025 playoff push, his development remains a long-term entity for the Cowboys' defensive future. His injury has forced other linebackers, such as Damone Clark and Micah Parsons (who often drops into coverage), to shoulder a heavier load.

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Immediate Defensive Line Concerns for Week 16

As the Cowboys prepare for their critical Week 16 matchup, the defensive line is facing immediate challenges that could impact their ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run. The status of a key defensive tackle and a veteran edge rusher are major talking points in the latest injury report.

Johnathan Hankins (Defensive Tackle): Ankle Impact

Veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is dealing with an ankle injury that is expected to impact his availability for the Week 16 game. Hankins is a crucial run-stuffer and space-eater in the middle of the defensive line. His absence would force players like Mazi Smith, Osa Odighizuwa, and Chauncey Golston to take on increased snaps. The ability to control the line of scrimmage is paramount in late-season football, and a compromised interior defensive line could be exploited by a strong running attack, putting immense pressure on the linebackers.

J. Clowney (Defensive Lineman): Hamstring Watch

Another defensive entity, J. Clowney, was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury on the December 11 update. While Clowney's status is fluid, a hamstring issue for a player who relies on explosive power and speed is always a concern. His presence provides valuable depth and a rotational pass-rushing threat alongside Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. The coaching staff will closely monitor his participation in practice to determine his game-day status, as losing him would necessitate more snaps for younger edge rushers.

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Offensive Line and Skill Position Status Updates

The offensive line has been a recurring theme in the Cowboys' injury discussions throughout the season, and the latest reports confirm that the unit remains thin. Furthermore, updates on key skill position players are vital for quarterback Dak Prescott and the offensive game plan.

The Thin Offensive Line Depth

The final injury report for Week 15 highlighted the team being "thin on the offensive line," a persistent issue that has required versatility and resilience from the remaining starters. Injuries to players like guard Trevor Keegan, who was injured in October, and other undisclosed rotational players have tested the depth of the unit. The team relies heavily on the health of starters like Tyler Smith, Zack Martin, and Terence Steele to maintain protection for Dak Prescott and open running lanes for the backfield. Any further injuries here could have catastrophic consequences for the offense's ability to execute consistently.

M. Sanders and Other Rotational Players

Player M. Sanders (position not specified in all reports, but often a rotational player) was placed on IR with a knee injury with an expected return for Week 16, according to a December 13 update. The return of any player from IR, even a rotational one, provides crucial depth and fresh legs for the final stretch of the regular season. Additionally, while the star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was mentioned in a previous week's report with a concussion concern, his status is generally stable, but his health remains paramount for the passing attack.

The Playoff Implications: Managing the Roster for January

The Dallas Cowboys are not just managing their roster for the next game; they are strategically planning for a deep playoff run. The decisions made now regarding the activation of players from IR, like Trevon Diggs, and the management of "questionable" players, such as Johnathan Hankins and J. Clowney, are crucial for their Super Bowl aspirations.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the medical team are walking a tightrope: balancing the need for immediate wins to secure the best playoff seeding against the risk of rushing a star player back too soon and jeopardizing their health for the more important games in January. The return of a healthy Diggs could be the X-factor that elevates the defense from good to elite, providing a significant boost to the team's topical authority as a true championship contender. Conversely, a further thinning of the offensive line or interior defensive line depth could be the Achilles' heel that an elite playoff opponent exploits. The next few weeks of injury reports will tell the definitive story of the 2025 Dallas Cowboys season.