FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are grappling with uncertainty as the 2025 NFL regular season approaches, with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ availability for Week 1 still in question. Diggs, who suffered a torn right ACL in Week 8 last season while with the Houston Texans, has been making strides in his recovery but remains noncommittal about his readiness for the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 7.
Diggs, who signed a three-year deal with the Patriots in March, expressed cautious optimism during a recent appearance on the “Scoop City” podcast. “We’ll see. Everybody’s excited, man. I’m just taking it day by day. I feel great,” he said, sidestepping a definitive answer about his status for the upcoming game. His comments reflect a measured approach, balancing enthusiasm with the reality of his ongoing rehabilitation.
The 31-year-old Pro Bowl receiver, known for his explosive playmaking, practiced on a limited basis during the Patriots’ spring sessions. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed last month that Diggs passed a physical and was medically cleared for the start of training camp on July 23, 2025, at Gillette Stadium. However, Vrabel offered little clarity on Monday regarding Diggs’ absence from the team’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his recovery timeline.
Diggs’ lone season with the Texans was cut short by the ACL injury, limiting him to just under 500 receiving yards. This marked a significant drop from his previous six seasons, during which he consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. His move to New England was seen as a major coup for a Patriots team looking to bolster its offensive firepower, but his injury has cast a shadow over his highly anticipated debut.
On the field, Diggs has shown flashes of his old form during training camp. A highlight-reel one-handed catch on July 28 drew cheers from fans at Gillette Stadium, and Diggs has been engaging with supporters, signing autographs and chatting after practices. Yet, his comments suggest the Patriots’ coaching staff is proceeding cautiously. “I’m pushing the needle always,” Diggs said. “I’m always doing more than less, and we’ll see about Week 1. The coaches aren’t too excited. I’m not too excited. I’m just trying to take it day by day, so we’ll see.”
The Patriots, under Vrabel’s leadership, are navigating a delicate balance. Rushing Diggs back too soon risks aggravating his injury, while a delayed return could hinder the team’s early-season performance. With a tough matchup against the Raiders looming, the team is eager to see its new star take the field, but the uncertainty surrounding his recovery leaves his debut hanging by a thread.
As the regular season nears, all eyes will be on Diggs and the Patriots’ medical staff. For now, fans can only hope that the veteran receiver’s day-by-day approach will lead to a triumphant return, restoring the dynamic presence that made him a household name.