{"id":294463,"date":"2025-08-17T04:17:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-17T04:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/294463\/"},"modified":"2025-08-17T04:17:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T04:17:12","slug":"patriots-coach-mike-vrabel-clashes-with-reporter-over-stefon-diggs-availability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/294463\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots coach Mike Vrabel clashes with reporter over Stefon Diggs’ availability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Mike Vrabel, who played linebacker for the New England Patriots<\/a> for eight seasons and won three Super Bowls with the team, is tasked with turning the once proud franchise around.<\/p>\n

But the first-year Patriots head coach’s attention recently turned to a reporter who raised a question about star receiver Stefon Diggs’ availability<\/a> for the team’s season opener. Vrabel took issue with the line of questioning.<\/p>\n

“Did you really believe that, Phil?” Vrabel responded when asked about Diggs. “You\u2019re a smart guy. I don\u2019t know where you went to school. It wasn\u2019t Ohio State. Do you really believe that, Phil, or are you just trying to bait me into something?”<\/p>\n

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\"Mike <\/p>\n

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before minicamp at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Diggs appeared in eight games with the Houston Texans<\/a> last season and tore an ACL during a game in October. He recently received medical clearance to return to practice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, the four-time Pro Bowler was not in uniform for Saturday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. He also sat out last week’s preseason opener due to what was described as a “coach’s decision.”<\/p>\n

\"Mike <\/p>\n

Mike Vrabel, head coach of the New England Patriots, directs his players during training camp at Gillette Stadium July 28, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Vrabel said the team is taking a wait-and-see approach for Week 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t know the context of which he said it. You\u2019d have to help me. He\u2019s been here almost every day. I\u2019m excited where he\u2019s at, and we\u2019ll see when Week 1 comes,” Vrabel said.<\/p>\n

PATRIOTS COACH MIKE VRABEL GETS KNOCKED TO THE GROUND BREAKING UP FIGHT DURING JOINT PRACTICE WITH VIKINGS<\/a><\/p>\n

Diggs was noncommittal when asked earlier this week if he would suit up Sept. 7.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019ll see. Everybody\u2019s excited, man. I\u2019m just taking it day by day. I feel great,” Diggs said during a sitdown on the “Scoop City” podcast.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Stefon <\/p>\n

Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots makes a one-handed catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium July 28, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Diggs suggested the Patriots coaching staff was not optimistic about the prospect of him taking the field when the team opens its season against the Las Vegas Raiders.<\/a><\/p>\n

“I mean, I’m pushing the needle always,” Diggs said. “I’m always doing more than less, and we\u2019ll see about Week 1. I don\u2019t know how I feel about it. We\u2019ll see. The coaches aren\u2019t too excited. I\u2019m not too excited. I\u2019m just trying to take it day by day, so we\u2019ll see. We just don\u2019t know where it\u2019s gonna go.”<\/p>\n

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Diggs agreed to a three-year deal with the Patriots in March. He recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons leading up to his injury-shortened run with the Texans.<\/p>\n

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n