Diggs Set for Patriots Debut in Season Opener at Gillette Stadium

Stefon Diggs is expected to make his New England debut in the Patriots season opener Sunday at Gillette Stadium, coach Mike Vrabel said Tuesday, a major development for a team banking on the veteran wide receiver to boost a young offense after he tore an ACL last October. Vrabel told WEEI, as quoted by team and media reports, "As of today, he'll be out there," though Diggs status will not become official until roughly 90 minutes before kickoff.

Diggs, 31, missed the preseason but practiced throughout training camp and was listed on the depth chart as a first team receiver alongside DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins. The four time Pro Bowler logged 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games for the Houston Texans before the injury, and team officials say his rehab progressed ahead of schedule. NFL Network reporting added that the Patriots expect him to play and that his contract required him to pass a physical before receiving a prorated signing bonus of roughly 4 million, according to public contract trackers.

His arrival provides both a potential on field boost and a locker room presence. Diggs laid down a blunt standard for teammates this week, telling the...