Head coach Mike Vrabel expects vast receiver Stefon Diggs to be prepared for the Patriots’ Week 1 matchup with the Raiders. It appears the staff continues to be in wait-and-see mode with cornerback Christian Gonzalez, nonetheless.
Vrabel spoke Tuesday morning on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Present” about Diggs’ Week 1 availability.
“As of right now, he’ll be on the market,” Vrabel stated on the radio.
Diggs averted the PUP listing getting into coaching camp regardless of tearing his ACL in late October. He’s been a full participant in observe all through the summer season and is predicted to be quarterback Drake Maye’s high pass-catching goal as an offensive starter subsequent to DeMario Douglas and both Kayshon Boutte or Mack Hollins.
Gonzalez hasn’t practiced since injuring his hamstring within the first week of coaching camp. That continued Monday within the Patriots’ first observe of Week 1.
“Yesterday I stated he’s working laborious to return again,” Vrabel stated on WEEI. “When he’s able to get again out and observe — hopefully that’s this week — after which we are able to resolve and go from there.”
The Patriots will observe Wednesday, Thursday and Friday earlier than a walk-through Saturday. If Gonzalez can’t play, count on Alex Austin to begin reverse Carlton Davis with Marcus Jones within the slot. If Gonzalez can play, he would take Austin’s spot within the beginning protection.
Gonzalez and Davis are anticipated to be one of many high cornerback duos within the NFL.
Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round choose, is thought to be one of many premier cornerbacks within the NFL. He’s spent little or no observe time within the new defensive scheme applied by Vrabel and coordinator Terrell Williams.
