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Mike Vabel, who played linebacker for New England Patriots for eight seasons and won three Super Bowls with the team, is tasked with turning the once proud franchise around.
But the first-year Patriots Head coach’s attention recently turned to a reporter who raised a question about star recipient Stefhe Diggs’ accessibility to the team’s season opener. Vrabel questioned the line with question marks.
“Did you really believe in it, Phil?” Vrabel replied when asked about Diggs. “You’re a smart guy. I don’t know where you went to school. It wasn’t Ohio State. Do you really think that, Phil, or are you just trying to intend me to something?”
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New England Patriot’s main coach Mike Vabel has a press conference before MiniCamp at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-Preferred Pictures)
Diggs performed in eight games with Houston Texans last season and tore an ACL during a game in October. He recently received medical approval to return to practice.
However, the four-time pro bowler was not in uniform for Saturday’s Forsy Season match against Minnesota Vikings. He also sat out in last week’s opening for the forecast because of what was described as a “Coach’s decision.”
Mike Vabel, head coach of New England Patriots, leads his players during training camp at Gillette Stadium July 28, 2025 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townsson/Getty Images)
Vrabel said the team is taking a wait-and-see approach to week 1.
“I don’t know the context, as he said it. You should help me. He’s been here almost every day. I’m excited where he’s on and we’ll see when week 1 is coming,” Vrabel said.
Patriots -Trainer Mike Vrabel is knocked to the ground and breaks the fight under common practice with Vikings
Diggs was not obliged when he was asked earlier this week if he would look after on September 7th.
“We get to see. Everyone is excited, man. I just take it day by day. I’m fine,” Diggs said during a sitdown on “Scoop City” podcast.
St. Diggs from New England Patriots gets a one -handed catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium 28 July 2025 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townsson/Getty Images)
Diggs suggested that Patriots -Coaching staff were not optimistic in terms of the prospect of him taking the pitch when the team opens his season against Las Vegas Raiders.
“I mean, I always push the needle,” Diggs said. “I always do more than less and we’ll see around 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 that day by day so we’ll see. We just don’t know where it is going.”
Diggs accepted a three-year agreement with the Patriots in March. He recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons led to his damaged races with the Texans.
