What Mike Vrabel said about Stefon Diggs and Christian Gonzalez’s status for Week 1
Vrabel said Diggs is expected to be ready for the opener. He did not say the same thing about Gonzalez.
The Patriots will host the Raiders at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, and coach Mike Vrabel gave an injury update on two of the team’s premier players ahead of the contest during a radio interview on WEEI Tuesday morning.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is coming off of offseason ACL surgery, is expected to play on Sunday, Vrabel said.
“As of today, he’ll be out there,” Vrabel said.
Diggs was able to participate during most of the team’s training camp practices and has consistently appeared to be ahead of schedule in his rehab processes.
The multi-time Pro Bowler did not play in any of the Patriots’ preseason games, but is currently healthy enough to play this week.
Vrabel’s update on Christian Gonzalez’s health wasn’t as optimistic. The third-year cornerback spend most of training camp sidelined with a hamstring injury.
“He didn’t practice [Monday], that’s the only update I can give you,” Vrabel said. “I haven’t met with the trainers, I have to see you guys before. Yesterday I said he’s working hard to come back. When he’s ready to get back out and practice, hopefully that’s this week.”
Gonzalez played in 16 of New England’s 17 games last season, marking his first healthy season in a Patriots uniform. He missed all but four games during his rookie season in 2023 with a torn labrum.
The Patriots’ depth at cornerback was thin this summer with Gonzalez and Carlton Davis missing extended amounts of time. Alex Austin has seen a bigger role than he had last year during practice. Marcus Jones, who was recently voted as a team captain, remains one of the top options in the slot. DJ James was one of the breakout performers during the preseason.
But it’s clear that the former first-round pick Gonzalez is at the top of that group and it’s not clear whether he’ll be ready to go against Las Vegas.
With Diggs in the fold, Sunday presents an opportunity to get an glance at the Patriots’ revamped receiving corps.
Free-agent additions Diggs and Mack Hollins are expected to be contributors. Speedy rookie Kyle Williams will probably get some opportunities to show what he can do. Efton Chism III led the Patriots in receiving during the preseason but didn’t spend much time repping with the top offensive unit during practices this summer and it’s unclear how much he’ll play right away.
As far as returning receivers go, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have been the most consistent. Both of them should have big roles.
Based on Vrabel’s unless there’s a setback, it seems like Diggs will be out there. Gonzalez hasn’t been on the practice field in weeks, but the Patriots have several more practices before Sunday’s game as they prepare.
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