On the seventh day of the New England Patriots’ Organized Crew Actions, broad receiver Stefon Diggs lastly made an look.
It’s normal for achieved veterans to attend till coaching camp to begin practising with the crew, however Diggs’ presence at OTAs was notable and essential for each the participant and the franchise after he turned topic to nationwide criticism final week when a video of him partying on a ship went viral and the Patriots needed to reply for it.
[Related: Mike Vrabel on Stefon Diggs boat video: ‘We want to make great decisions’]
Together with addressing Diggs’ off-field decision-making, the Patriots shut down any rumors that they’d minimize the receiver they simply acquired in free company, per NFL Network.
That report and Diggs’ attendance at OTAs are each good indicators.
The Patriots signed Diggs, a four-time Professional Bowler, to a three-year deal value $69 million ($26 million assured) in March, and would not need the time that went into that deal to go to waste. Since that deal, although, his offseason has been highlighted by NBA recreation appearances together with his girlfriend Cardi B and the boat video.
New England Patriots’ receiver Stefon Diggs and rapper Cardi B sitting courtside throughout an NBA playoff recreation in New York final month. (Getty Photographs)
Reporting to OTAs, although, adjustments the narrative. It reveals that the Patriots and Diggs are on the identical web page about working to get him onto the sector — a course of that can have its share of obstacles and would not want any extra controversy getting in the way in which.
That is as a result of Diggs remains to be recovering from the ACL tear he sustained in Week 8 of final season whereas taking part in for his earlier crew, the Houston Texans. It is anticipated to maintain him out a minimum of via Week 4 of this season, per the Athletic.
Primarily based on the cash the Patriots invested in Diggs, he needs to be incentivized to prioritize and give attention to his rehabilitation. Whereas it might not have been final week, it is seemingly transferring in that course, and displaying up at OTAs is a transparent and constructive signal of that.
Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and comply with leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a personalised publication each day!
Get extra from Nationwide Soccer League Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra
