New England Patriots - NESN.com
There was some mixed reporting after Adam Schefter revealed Stefon Diggs intended to sign with the Patriots.
After breaking the news, the ESPN NFL insider claimed Diggs was “on track” to play Week 1 of the 2025 season. Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard wasn’t so sure, as he thought that was an “optimistic” target for the veteran receiver who tore his ACL last October.
So, when New England’s newest addition met with the media Friday, Diggs himself was able to share the latest on his rehab. The four-time Pro Bowl selection was asked, point-blank, when he expects to be a full participant for practice.
“(Expletive), when the whistle blows,” Diggs told reporters, per a team-provided video. “We’ll see. I’m ahead of schedule. I’m trying to stay ahead of schedule. I’ll pretty much take it day by day. I’ll try not to put the carriage before the horse. But here we are — here’s the horse right here. I’ll let you know, though. We’ll keep playing it by ear. I’m gonna stay ahead of schedule for now and I’ll let y’all know.”
Mike Vrabel and company probably would be wise to err on the side of caution with Diggs, which not might be easy when you consider his fierce competitiveness. The Patriots made a fairly steep investment in the 31-year-old, and they also don’t appear to view him as a one-year rental. Diggs also has a chance to make a seismic impact on the offense whenever he’s fully healthy.
So, although Diggs appears eager to be a full-go from jump street, it might be in everyone’s best interest to drive a bit slower on the road to recovery.
