GS. Boom! Dallas Just Activated Its LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL — This 2nd-Year Freak Was Born to Erase WR1s.
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing the heat just in time for their Week 7 showdown against the Washington Commanders, and it’s all thanks to a major boost on the defensive side of the ball. Second-year cornerback Caelen Carson, a former fifth-round pick out of Wake Forest, was activated off Injured Reserve (IR) on Saturday, per Aaron Wilson. Listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, Carson’s return couldn’t come at a better time for a Cowboys defense desperate to turn the tide in a season teetering on the edge.
A Timely Return Amid a Defensive Crisis
Carson’s activation is a ray of hope for a Cowboys secondary that’s been battered by injuries. The news comes just as star cornerback Trevon Diggs was ruled out for the Commanders game after a bizarre accident at his home on Thursday landed him in the concussion protocol, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. While head coach Brian Schottenheimer remained tight-lipped about the specifics during Friday’s press conference, he confirmed Diggs was under evaluation by the team’s medical staff. With Diggs sidelined, Carson’s return is a chance for the young corner to step up and prove he’s ready to lock down opposing WR1s.
Carson, who hyperextended his knee during training camp and has been on IR since, showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie. In six games last season, he racked up 27 tackles and four passes defensed, earning starts late in the year as injuries piled up at the cornerback position. His physicality, speed, and knack for disrupting passing lanes made him a standout, and now, he’s poised to pick up where he left off. Whether he makes his season debut today or next week, Carson’s return is a massive boost for a defense desperate for playmakers.
A Season Plagued by Injuries
The Cowboys’ injury woes extend far beyond Diggs and Carson. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who’s been nursing a high-ankle sprain, is set to return against the Commanders, but the team is still missing key pieces. Starting center Cooper Beebe, safety Malik Hooker, wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, and edge defender Payton Turner are all on IR. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. have yet to play this season, both recovering from significant injuries sustained last year. Add to that the nagging ailments of cornerback DaRon Bland, left tackle Tyler Guyton, wide receiver KaVontae Turpin, right guard Tyler Booker, and edge defender Marshawn Kneeland, and it’s clear Dallas is fighting an uphill battle.
Despite these setbacks, Carson’s return signals hope. His ability to step into a starting role and match up against elite receivers could stabilize a secondary that’s been stretched thin. With Diggs likely back soon, the Cowboys could soon field a formidable CB duo capable of shutting down passing attacks.
A Make-or-Break Moment for Dallas
The Cowboys’ 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After dropping a heartbreaker to Philadelphia in Week 1 and scraping by the Giants in overtime in Week 2, Dallas has stumbled, winning just one of their last four games. Losses to the Panthers and Bears exposed their vulnerabilities, and while a gritty tie against the Packers in Week 4 showed fight, wins have been elusive. With a brutal stretch of games against the Commanders, Broncos, and Cardinals looming, the Cowboys are at a crossroads.
Carson’s activation could be the spark Dallas needs. His rookie tape showed a cornerback with the instincts and athleticism to erase top receivers, and now, with the season hanging in the balance, he has a chance to prove he’s the real deal. If he can step up and lock down the Commanders’ passing game, it could set the tone for a defensive resurgence.
The Road Ahead
The Cowboys’ playoff hopes aren’t dead yet, but they’re on life support. Carson’s return, paired with Lamb’s comeback and the potential for Diggs to rejoin the lineup soon, gives Dallas a fighting chance to right the ship. The question is whether this young cornerback can channel his inner “lockdown protocol” and shut down opposing WR1s like he did in flashes last season. If he can, the Cowboys might just find the defensive identity they’ve been searching for.
For now, all eyes are on Caelen Carson. The second-year freak was born to erase receivers, and with the Commanders up next, it’s time for him to show the NFL what he’s made of. Buckle up, Cowboys fans—this could be the start of something big.
