**Title:** Mike Vrabel Addresses Stefon Diggs’ Status Ahead of Season Opener
**Meta Description:** Patriots coach Mike Vrabel responds to questions about Stefon Diggs’ availability for the season opener against the Raiders.
**URL Slug:** mike-vrabel-stefon-diggs-status-patriots
**Headline:** Mike Vrabel Responds to Questions About Stefon Diggs’ Availability for Season Opener
Mike Vrabel, the new head coach of the New England Patriots and a former linebacker who won three Super Bowls with the team, is focused on revitalizing the franchise. Recently, he found himself addressing a reporter’s inquiry regarding star receiver Stefon Diggs’ readiness for the upcoming season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
When asked about Diggs, Vrabel expressed skepticism about the question, saying, “Did you really believe that, Phil? You’re a smart guy. I don’t know where you went to school. It wasn’t Ohio State. Do you really believe that, Phil, or are you just trying to bait me into something?”
Diggs, who played only eight games last season with the Houston Texans due to an ACL tear, has recently been cleared to practice. However, he did not participate in Saturday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings and also missed the previous week’s opener, which was attributed to a “coach’s decision.”
Vrabel indicated that the team is taking a cautious approach regarding Diggs’ status for Week 1. “I don’t know the context of which he said it. You’d have to help me. He’s been here almost every day. I’m excited about where he’s at, and we’ll see when Week 1 comes,” he stated.
Diggs himself was noncommittal when asked about his availability for the September 7 opener. “We’ll see. Everybody’s excited, man. I’m just taking it day by day. I feel great,” he mentioned during a recent podcast appearance. He also hinted that the coaching staff may not be overly optimistic about his chances of playing in the season opener, saying, “I mean, I’m pushing the needle always. I’m always doing more than less, and we’ll see about Week 1. I don’t know how I feel about it. We’ll see. 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. We just don’t know where it’s gonna go.”
In March, Diggs signed a three-year contract with the Patriots, having previously recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons before his injury-shortened stint with the Texans.
As the Patriots prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on Diggs and his recovery progress.
**FAQ:**
**Q: What is Stefon Diggs’ current status for the Patriots’ season opener?**
A: Stefon Diggs has been cleared to practice but did not play in the recent preseason games. His availability for the season opener remains uncertain as the team takes a cautious approach.
