2 weeks after condemning Stefon Diggs for pink powder, Mike Vrabel changes tune on Patriots WR's progress
Stefon Diggs' tenure with the New England Patriots got off to a rocky start, but it seems that things are improving for the wide receiver. The offseason has been marred by controversy with the veteran missing OTAs and a boat party video that had head coach Mike Vrabel unimpressed.
Vrabel, however, changed his tone now that Diggs is with the team. While he's still limited by his recovery from a torn ACL, the receiver is participating in what he's allowed to.
This has made the head coach happy, as he revealed after Monday's practice:
“Good. He’s tried to figure out where everything is and what his role is, making sure that as we add those situations — the third down, the no-huddle, the red zone — that he’s staying up on it. He’s working hard in his rehab and when he can — there’s certain drills he can be out there and certain drills he won’t be. But I think he’s engaged, and I like his energy.
Mike Vrabel stresses the need for "good decisions on and off the field" after Stefon Diggs' boat video
Two weeks ago, a video of Stefon Diggs next to a pink powder at a boat party emerged at a time when most of the Patriots were assembled for OTAs. Mike Vrabel did not engage in public criticism and defused the situation, revealing that he spoke with the receiver.
"It’s something that we’re aware of. Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field. Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club.”
Josh McDaniels, the offensive coordinator, also celebrated when the receiver reported for the voluntary minicamp:
"He's here today and we're excited to have an opportunity to work with the guys that are out here and available to us."
Stefon Diggs signed a three-year contract worth $69 million with the franchise. The deal has an easy way out after the first season, in case his production does not return to his best days following his ACL injury.