Parsons is one of 13 players currently on injured reserve for the Packers, who also lost cornerbacks Nate Hobbs (knee) and Kamal Hadden (ankle) likely for the remainder of the season during last Saturday’s 41-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
With only three healthy cornerbacks on the roster, Green Bay promoted three from its practice squad this week – Jaylin Simpson, Shemar Bartholomew and Johnathan Baldwin – before putting in a claim for Diggs.
While injuries have cost Diggs 30 regular-season games over the past three seasons, he started the past two weeks for the Cowboys. With some past scheme familiarity, the Packers believe Diggs could help solidify a banged-up secondary.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said the job of the coaching staff will be to figure out which areas of the defense Diggs is most comfortable and “maximize his ability” with the scheme.
“Watching him throughout the years … what I remember is just elite ball skills, the ability to read and anticipate, see the quarterback, anticipate routes, jump routes,” Hafley said.
“With the playoffs right around the corner, we’ve got to speed him up fast because there’s not going to be a lot of practice reps.”
One area Diggs could provide an immediate boost for Green Bay is in the takeaway department. The Packers currently are tied for 26th in takeaways (13) and 27th in interceptions (seven).
Despite missing most of 2023, Diggs remains the only player in the NFL with 20-plus interceptions and 60-plus passes defensed since 2020.
“He can help us tremendously,” said safety Xavier McKinney, who played with Diggs at Alabama. “He can get the ball, and I think that’s one thing that we’re missing is getting the ball at a high rate. I think he can be the guy that comes in and really helps us with that.”
With the postseason on the horizon, Diggs sees “a wonderful opportunity” in Green Bay and believes this can be a fresh start for him after how things ended in Dallas. Outside noise cancelled, the former All-Pro can focus on the work again.
Of course, Diggs would love nothing more than to play again with Parsons and knows a strong finish could help make that a reality next season.
When asked what type of player he is at this point in his career, Diggs calmly and confidently replied: “I still feel like I’m the best,” and looks forward to having the opportunity to prove it.
“I just need to be myself. Be who I know I am,” Diggs said. “Go out there and perform and everything will take care of itself. I’m not chasing accolades. I’m not chasing anything. I’m chasing being a better me, being better every day; helping his team win.”
