FOXBORO — Since joining the Patriots in March, Stefon Diggs has made more headlines for his antics on the high seas than for his play on the field.
The wide receiver’s New England teammates, however, say he’s been a positive influence as he works his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2024 season last October.
“He works hard every day,” third-year slot receiver DeMario Douglas said after Monday’s mandatory minicamp practice. “Behind the scenes, he’s actually working, and I feel like he’s bringing along the young guys. Everybody in that (receiver) room, he’s bringing everybody along. … He doesn’t let up for nobody. If you don’t get your depth on a route, he’s going to say something.”
Douglas said Diggs and Mack Hollins — the other veteran wideout who signed with the team this offseason — quickly emerged as “good leaders who are not scared to say something (and) correct what needs to be corrected.”
“They push,” he said. “They make sure you’re on your stuff, for sure.”
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye said he speaks often with Diggs, who attended some but not all of the Patriots’ voluntary organized team activities (OTAs). Maye believes he’ll benefit from having a pass-catcher of Diggs’ caliber.
“He seems like an awesome teammate,” Maye said. “He’s my next-door-to-my-locker locker mate, so he’s one down from beside me. We talk all the time. He’s a veteran in this league. He’s made a lot of plays, played in a lot of big games, so he’s just an awesome voice for this receiver room, for this offense. He’s played in some playoff games; he’s had some big games. And I think once he kind of recovers — he’s getting back out there — I’m looking forward to being able to throw him a few footballs. It’s always good to have a guy like that on your team.”
Diggs’ rehab still is ongoing. He has yet to take part in competitive drills, typically working on a separate field with second-year receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (who’s recovering from offseason shoulder surgery) during full-speed 11-on-11 periods. The early glimpses of the 31-year-old in action have been encouraging, though.
At one point late in Monday’s practice, Diggs sprinted the length of the field to chase down cornerback Isaiah Bolden after an interception — despite not being involved in the initial play. He’s also shown good fluidity and burst during individual drills.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who urged Diggs to “[make great decisions](https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/05/28/mike-vrabel-addresses-stefon-diggs-video-wants-players-to-make-great-decisions/)” after the wideout was caught on video holding a bag of unidentified pink powder while on a boat over Memorial Day weekend, offered an update on his integration before Monday’s minicamp session.
“He’s trying to figure out where everything is and what his role is and making sure that as we add those situations – the third down, the no-huddle and red zone – that he’s staying up on it, working hard in his rehab,” Vrabel said. “Certain drills, he can be out there, and there’s certain drills that he won’t be, but I think he’s engaged, and I like his energy.”