New England Patriots - NESN.com
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ absence from the team’s preseason win against the Washington Commanders on Friday wasn’t all that surprising.
The offseason acquisition is recovering from last year’s ACL surgery and while all indications are that Diggs has bounced back well, there would’ve been more risk than reward in playing the wideout in a meaningless exhibition contest.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Diggs during his interview on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Monday and offered a cryptic two-word response.
According to MassLive.com’s Karen Guregian, Vrabel was asked if the four-time Pro Bowler’s absence was for precautionary reasons.
“Coach’s decision,” Vrabel responded.
For what it’s worth, Diggs was a full participant during Patriots practice on Monday.
Wide receivers coach Todd Downing said on Monday that Diggs was on the right track in his recovery.
“I think where he’s at in his process right now is where we want him to be,” Downing said, per Guregian. “You know, he’s working hard when he’s out there with his reps, and you see him making some plays.”
Diggs is 10 months removed from suffering a torn ACL during Week 8 of the 2024 campaign while with the Houston Texans.
