Stefon Diggs might just beat the odds after all.
The New England Patriots receiver is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered late last October. Diggs, who signed with the Patriots during the offseason, was a limited participant during mandatory minicamp in June but sat out of all competitive team drills.
Since New England signed Diggs in late March, numerous rumors have suggested the 31-year-old wideout could be ready for the start of the season. However, many have refused to believe the rumors, writing them off as evidence of Diggs’ agent using reporters for good press.
And maybe there’s truth to those theories. Nevertheless, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer added fuel to the fire Wednesday during an appearance on NBC Sports Boston.
“I think (Diggs) probably starts camp on PUP (the physically unable to perform list), and I think he probably comes off at some point between now and end of August,” Breer said.
Story continues below advertisement
“I do think that he’s trending right now to being able to play in Week 1. Which is — if you look at it — it’s not that crazy a recovery timetable. He was injured right around Halloween, the end of August would be 10 months.”
Breer also indicated Diggs could be ready for Week 1 — but not in peak form.
“I think the bigger question becomes whether or not you can expect 100 percent of Diggs this year, because that first year can be tricky sometimes, especially for an older player,” Breer said.
“But just as far as when he’s going to be actually cleared to play football full speed in 11-on-11, I think at some point in August it happens, and that timetable isn’t that crazy considering the juncture of last year when he was hurt.”
Story continues below advertisement
The Patriots will hold their first training camp practice on Wednesday, July 23.