FOXBOROUGH – It’s been 311 days since Stefon Diggs played in an NFL game.
Coming off a season-ending knee injury, it’s already impressive that the receiver is practicing and preparing to play in the Patriots’ regular-season opener this weekend. On Wednesday, Diggs took it a step forward.
Asked if he’ll be on a pitch count against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Pro Bowl receiver quickly responded.
“Hell no,” Diggs said, smiling. “I don’t know. I don’t make the rules. We’ll see how it goes, but I really hope not.”
Ten months ago, Diggs suffered a torn ACL during the Houston Texans’ Week 8 matchup. That led to a long road to get back to football, but Diggs hit the rehab process hard. The 31-year-old worked out at Alkeme Sports RX in Davie, Fla., with Dr. Sharif Tabbah.
During free agency, the Patriots brought Diggs to Foxborough for a visit, which included dinner and a check with the medical team. The Patriots felt good enough about Diggs’ health to sign him to a 3-year, $69 million contract.
This offseason, the Patriots took it slow with Diggs. He wasn’t a full participant in OTAs. In training camp, it was similar. On some days, the receiver took part in everything. In other sessions, he was limited.
“I was coming back from injury. Moreso, coach (Mike Vrabel), coach Todd (Downing), coach Josh (McDaniels), they were making sure I was getting rest, getting mental reps because the bullets are going to be flying real, real soon,” Diggs said. “Prior to that, they didn’t want to put too much of a workload on me. I wanted it, but they were obviously being smart. I’ve been around for a little bit of time, I didn’t forget how to play football.”
On Wednesday, Drake Maye said Diggs has been elevating his performance in practice and was excited to see what the veteran brought to the game field this weekend. Diggs explained that he’s been getting more reps leading up to the Patriots’ Week 1 matchup while trying to get into optimal game shape.
The Patriots hope that Diggs provides Maye and the offense with a legitimate No. 1 receiver. The 4-time Pro Bowler finished with over 1,000 yards in six straight seasons before suffering his knee injury.
The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019.
For Diggs, it’s been a long journey since his knee injury. He’s appreciative to be in New England and getting ready to play this Sunday.
“I’m really thankful. I’ll say that. Ten months without football is rough,” Diggs said. “It’s my day job. It’s my love and my passion. I went without it for a very long time. Just being in front of (the media), I appreciate where I’m at right now. Getting back to what you love. It’s fun. It’s new. It’s obviously going to be an adjustment, but we’re trying to get this show on the road. We’re trying to start 1-0. For me, I’m just thankful to be where I’m at right now – back to playing football. Back to running into people, catching the football. That’s the exciting part for me.”
“A healthy me is a happy me. So, I’m really happy.”
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