Head coach Mike Vrabel expects wide receiver Stefon Diggs to be ready for the Patriots’ Week 1 matchup with the Raiders. It seems the team is still in wait-and-see mode with cornerback Christian Gonzalez, however.
Vrabel spoke Tuesday morning on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” about Diggs’ Week 1 availability.
“As of today, he’ll be out there,” Vrabel said on the radio.
Diggs avoided the PUP list entering training camp despite tearing his ACL in late October. He’s been a full participant in practice throughout the summer and is expected to be quarterback Drake Maye’s top pass-catching target as an offensive starter next to DeMario Douglas and either Kayshon Boutte or Mack Hollins.
Gonzalez hasn’t practiced since injuring his hamstring in the first week of training camp. That continued Monday in the Patriots’ first practice of Week 1.
“Yesterday I said he’s working hard to come back,” Vrabel said on WEEI. “When he’s ready to get back out and practice — hopefully that’s this week — and then we can decide and go from there.”
The Patriots will practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before a walk-through Saturday. If Gonzalez can’t play, expect Alex Austin to start opposite Carlton Davis with Marcus Jones in the slot. If Gonzalez can play, he would take Austin’s spot in the starting defense.
Gonzalez and Davis are expected to be one of the top cornerback duos in the NFL.
Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round pick, is regarded as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. He’s spent very little practice time in the new defensive scheme implemented by Vrabel and coordinator Terrell Williams.