The New England Patriots have emerged as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises in 2025. After winning just four games last season, they’ve already stacked six victories entering Week 9, fueled by rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s rapid rise and a rejuvenated Stefon Diggs turning back the clock in dominant fashion.
But as the Patriots gear up for their Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Diggs has surfaced on the injury report, sparking concern among fans about whether the veteran receiver will be available this weekend.
Will Stefon Diggs Play in Week 9?
Diggs, who joined the Patriots this offseason, has appeared in all eight games and currently leads the team with 470 receiving yards and one touchdown. He’s battled through multiple injuries already, showing up on New England’s Week 7 and Week 8 injury reports with a chest injury.
This week, however, it’s an ankle injury that placed him back on the report. Diggs was limited when the Patriots opened practice on Wednesday, and while the severity remains unclear, early indications point toward simple workload management. If he’s able to participate on Thursday and Friday, Diggs should be available on Sunday against the Falcons.
Originally drafted in the fifth round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, Diggs spent five seasons in Minnesota, including two with 1,000+ yards, before moving to Buffalo, where he recorded four straight 1,000-yard campaigns. His streak ended in 2024 with the Houston Texans after a torn ACL cut his season short.
Joining New England on a three-year, $63.5 million deal, Diggs entered 2025 with something to prove, and so far, he has. He’s amassed 470 yards through eight games, highlighted by a 146-yard burst against his former team, the Buffalo Bills. His veteran presence has been critical in the development journey of franchise quarterback Drake Maye.
Although Diggs finished Week 9 with just 14 yards on three receptions, he hauled in his first touchdown of the season, which ultimately opened the valves for the Patriots, allowing them to pull away for a comfortable victory.
The Patriots’ schedule has been relatively favorable to start the year, leading some to question the legitimacy of their record. However, Diggs and Maye’s success is no fluke; the two currently rank seventh and third in PFSN’s WR Impact and QB Impact metrics, respectively.
The Patriots play five more games before their bye week, four of which are against teams with losing records. New England, currently in first place in the AFC East, will host the Bills after the bye in a matchup that could play a huge role in deciding the division.
