New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs officially confirmed he is healthy and ready to play in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, nearly a year after tearing his right ACL. The 31-year-old veteran expressed excitement about returning, saying, “A healthy me is a happy me.” Despite missing preseason action, Diggs passed his physical during training camp and participated consistently in practices, with only a few workload adjustments.
Diggs Rejects Pitch Count, Overcomes Challenges, Ready To Lead Patriots’ Strong Start
When asked whether he might be on a restricted “pitch count” to ease back into game action, Diggs dismissed the idea with confidence, stating, “Hell no!” His full participation in camp and eagerness to contribute suggest he expects to be heavily involved in the Patriots’ game plan. This readiness highlights his determination to avoid limitations as he enters his 11th NFL season.
Diggs admitted the past 10 months without football were mentally and physically challenging. He apologized to the media for his limited availability during recovery, explaining he needed to prioritize focus and mindset. Now, with the return of regular-season football, Diggs said he is thankful for the opportunity to play again and emphasized his passion for the game. His goal is to help the Patriots start the season strong with a win.
Diggs Builds Chemistry With Maye While Embracing Patriots’ Team-First Offensive Philosophy
Diggs is projected to start alongside Kayshon Boutte and DeMario “Pop” Douglas, while also serving as a mentor for younger receivers. He has been developing chemistry with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who praised Diggs’ leadership and practice intensity. Diggs, in turn, spoke highly of Maye’s confidence and arm strength, noting that their timing and connection have steadily improved throughout training camp.
Now in his first year with the Patriots after stints with the Vikings, Bills, and Texans, Diggs acknowledged that Josh McDaniels’s offensive system may mean fewer targets compared to past seasons. Still, he embraced the team-first mentality, saying his focus is on maximizing opportunities rather than demanding volume. Using his receiver coach’s motto, Diggs summed up his mindset: “Eat what’s on your plate.”
