Diggs suffered a torn ACL in October.
Following an ACL tear in late October last season, the timing of wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ debut with the New England Patriots is up in the air for 2025.
Just five months removed from injury, however, Diggs sees himself ahead of schedule.
“I’m ahead of schedule, trying to stay ahead of schedule,” Diggs said Friday at Gillette Stadium during his introductory press conference. “I’ve been pretty serious about the grind process as afar as that we’re rehabbing and everything, so shoutout Dr. Reef.
“I’m ahead of schedule right now, I’m trying to stay there at this point. Trying to work a little smarter. I’m a hard worker so I try to like put a lot on my plate at one time but I’m trying to reel it back a little bit. Just be a little more smarter.”
After New England agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with Diggs this past week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the receiver is currently “on track” to play Week 1 of next season. The four-time Pro Bowler was then asked directly on Friday when he expects to return to practice.
“[Expletive], when the whistle blows. We’ll see,” Diggs responded. “I’m ahead of schedule. I’m trying to stay ahead of schedule. I’ll pretty much take it day by day. I 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.”
Prior to tearing his ACL last season, Diggs recorded 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games for the Texans. That put him on pace for a 100 catch season in addition to 1,000-plus yards — which would have marked his seventh straight 1,000-yard season.
With Diggs likely to slot in atop the Patriots wide receiver depth chart when healthy, the 31-year old is expecting the production to remain the same.
“As far as like the production, it’s always been there. I’ve always been productive,” Diggs said. “I can move the chains, I can go intermediate, I can go deep — I’ve done it all throughout my career. My resume kind of speaks for itself.
“I know that I’m 31 years old and this is my first injury after 10 years… I kind of look at it as definitely an opportunity.”