Patriots expect Stefon Diggs to be ready for Week 1 against the Raiders as he continues to recover from an ACL injury he suffered midway through the 2024 season with Houston.
Diggs joined New England as a free agent this offseason and has been the subject of cautious optimism around his recovery. He did not appear in the preseason but is anticipated to be active for Week 1, according to remarks from the Patriots’ staff. In a radio appearance on WEEI, the team’s coach said that, as of Tuesday, Diggs would be out there.
During his eight games with the Texans in 2024, Diggs posted 47 catches for 496 yards and three receiving touchdowns, along with one rushing TD. Now entering his 11th NFL season, Diggs has a wide-ranging resume: five 100-catch seasons and six 1,000-yard campaigns across three previous teams—the Vikings, Bills and Texans. His experience is expected to be a valuable asset for the Patriots, who have him lined up as a first-team receiver alongside Demario Douglas and Mack Hollins on the depth chart.
The Patriots also feature promising young targets in Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism, giving Diggs a helpful supporting cast as he ramps up. If he’s able to contribute from the opening snap, Diggs could provide a significant boost for quarterback Drake Maye and the offense overall.
What to watch going into Week 1 is how seamlessly Diggs can transition back to game speed after limited preseason action and how the Patriots balance his workload early in the season. His presence could be a key factor in how aggressively New England attacks the Raiders’ defense and how quickly their offense can gel with a veteran wideout who has proven he can produce at a high level across multiple stops.
Summary: Diggs’ return to the field for Week 1 remains a major storyline for the Patriots, with the veteran wideout bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record to complement a developing group around quarterback Drake Maye. If he’s fully cleared and active, Diggs could be a catalyst for New England’s passing attack as they open the season.
Additional note: The situation underscores the Patriots’ approach to balancing veteran experience with a younger receiving corps, as they gauge the quickest path to offensive stability this season. Fans can expect updates on Diggs’s practice status and his snap count as Week 1 approaches.