Patriots
Vrabel mentioned Diggs is predicted to be prepared for the opener. He didn’t say the identical factor about Gonzalez.
The Patriots will host the Raiders at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, and coach Mike Vrabel gave an damage replace on two of the group’s premier gamers forward of the competition throughout a radio interview on WEEI Tuesday morning.
Vast receiver Stefon Diggs, who’s coming off of offseason ACL surgical procedure, is predicted to play on Sunday, Vrabel mentioned.
“As of right this moment, he’ll be on the market,” Vrabel mentioned.
Diggs was capable of take part throughout many of the group’s coaching camp practices and has constantly seemed to be forward of schedule in his rehab processes.
The multi-time Professional Bowler didn’t play in any of the Patriots’ preseason video games, however is at the moment wholesome sufficient to play this week.
Vrabel’s replace on Christian Gonzalez’s health wasn’t as optimistic. The third-year cornerback spend most of coaching camp sidelined with a hamstring damage.
“He didn’t follow [Monday], that’s the one replace I may give you,” Vrabel mentioned. “I haven’t met with the trainers, I’ve to see you guys earlier than. Yesterday I mentioned he’s working exhausting to come back again. When he’s able to get again out and follow, hopefully that’s this week.”
Gonzalez performed in 16 of New England’s 17 video games final season, marking his first wholesome season in a Patriots uniform. He missed all however 4 video games throughout his rookie season in 2023 with a torn labrum.
The Patriots’ depth at cornerback was skinny this summer season with Gonzalez and Carlton Davis lacking prolonged quantities of time. Alex Austin has seen an even bigger position than he had final 12 months throughout follow. Marcus Jones, who was just lately voted as a group captain, stays one of many prime choices within the slot. DJ James was one of many breakout performers in the course of the preseason.
Nevertheless it’s clear that the previous first-round choose Gonzalez is on the prime of that group and it’s not clear whether or not he’ll be able to go towards Las Vegas.
With Diggs within the fold, Sunday presents a chance to get an look on the Patriots’ revamped receiving corps.
Free-agent additions Diggs and Mack Hollins are anticipated to be contributors. Speedy rookie Kyle Williams will most likely get some alternatives to indicate what he can do. Efton Chism III led the Patriots in receiving in the course of the preseason however didn’t spend a lot time repping with the highest offensive unit throughout practices this summer season and it’s unclear how a lot he’ll play straight away.
So far as returning receivers go, DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have been essentially the most constant. Each of them ought to have massive roles.
Primarily based on Vrabel’s except there’s a setback, it looks like Diggs will likely be on the market. Gonzalez hasn’t been on the follow subject in weeks, however the Patriots have a number of extra practices earlier than Sunday’s recreation as they put together.
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