Packers’ Trevon Diggs wants to make the most of his unexpected playoff opportunity

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) 鈥� Trevon Diggs couldn鈥檛 have imagined a couple of weeks ago that he鈥檇 have a chance to make an impact in the playoffs.

The 27-year-old cornerback finds himself in this improbable position after the Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) from the last week.

Diggs performed capably while playing nearly half of Green Bay鈥檚 defensive snaps in its regular-season finale Sunday. Packers coach Matt LaFleur the possibility of starting him in their Saturday night at Chicago (11-6).

鈥淚t鈥檚 a blessing,鈥� Diggs said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to win in this league and it鈥檚 hard to go to the playoffs, so just being here, being able to go to the playoffs, it鈥檚 been truly a blessing and I鈥檓 truly thankful.鈥�

This unexpected opportunity gives the a chance to rejuvenate a career that had gone downhill. Diggs鈥� presence also could help a Packers defense that has struggled ever since Pro Bowl pass rusher tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a 34-26 that started the four-game skid to end Green Bay鈥檚 regular season.

Although Diggs didn鈥檛 have his first practice with his new team until Jan. 1, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said this week that their new cornerback has been a quick enough study that they wouldn鈥檛 have to limit anything they do defensively if he鈥檚 on the field.

Hafley noted that safeties Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams could communicate anything Diggs might need to know.

鈥淚t鈥檚 cool to see the last couple of days how he鈥檚 integrated with our players, how he鈥檚 been in meetings,鈥� Hafley said. 鈥淥verall I just think he has more confidence right now in our scheme, so I鈥檇 be very comfortable to play him.鈥�

Diggs savors whatever responsibilities he might have Saturday.

鈥淚鈥檓 very comfortable,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 ready for whatever.鈥�

Diggs鈥� change of address represented the latest chapter in a turbulent 2025 season.

He in an accident at home on Oct. 16. Two months later, Diggs explained to reporters that he got hit in the head by a mounting pole while trying to install a TV.

Even after Diggs returned from concussion protocol, he and ended up missing eight games due to what the Cowboys described as lingering knee issues. Diggs ended up playing just eight games for Dallas this season 鈥� six before his concussion and two afterward.

When the Cowboys waived Diggs last week, coach Brian Schottenheimer said it was due to a culmination of issues rather than one incident. It was a humbling finish to a tenure that once had so much promise, as Diggs had an NFL-leading 11 interceptions in 2021 and earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2022.

Going to Green Bay reunited Diggs with some familiar faces. He鈥檚 close friends with Parsons and played at Alabama with McKinney. They offered him feedback on what it would take to succeed with his new team.

鈥淛ust put your head down and work,鈥� Diggs recalled them saying. 鈥淓verything鈥檚 going to fall where it鈥檚 supposed to fall. You just have to focus on football here, and that鈥檚 awesome. So, that鈥檚 the main advice that they gave me.鈥�

Diggs鈥� Packers debut was encouraging.

With the Packers resting most of their starters in a at Minnesota, Pro Football Focus gave Diggs an 81.5 game rating that led the team. He had scored above 61.7 in just two of his eight games with Dallas this season 鈥� the (70.2) and a with Green Bay (83.3).

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to have him on the team,鈥� Bullard said. 鈥淲e know the type of player he is. People don鈥檛 understand that dude is All-Pro. You can鈥檛 take that away from him.鈥�

Diggs hasn’t played at that All-Pro level for some time now, but his performance Sunday at least showed he can help out a Green Bay secondary that needs some reinforcements as it attempts to make a long playoff run.

He’s ready to step up to that challenge.

鈥淚t feels natural,鈥� Diggs said. 鈥淚t feels normal. It just feels like a great fit. It鈥檚 been great. I鈥檓 just happy to be here.”

NOTE: The Packers announced Friday that WR Dontayvion Wicks has been ruled out for Saturday’s game due to a concussion. Wicks had been listed as questionable on the Packers’ Thursday injury report.

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