Stefon Diggs’ injury could open door for breakout Patriots fans need to see

Patriots rookie Kyle Williams could be poised for an elevated role if Diggs is unable to play through chest issue.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Quarterback Drake Maye and the New England Patriots could be without their best skill position weapon on Sunday.

During his Friday morning session with the local media, head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that wide receiver Stefon Diggs will be listed on the Patriots’ injury report with a chest injury. New England’s leading wide receiver will officially be questionable to suit up against the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel said.

The news comes a bit out of left field, as Diggs was made available to the local media on Wednesday and played his normal allotment of snaps in New England’s win over the New Orleans Saints last week. 

Diggs was, however, listed as a limited participant in each of the Patriots’ practice reports to open the week, and Vrabel’s report indicates that Diggs was unable to elevate to full participation on Friday.

The fact that Diggs has been able to practice at all is typically a good sign for his chances of playing on Sunday. The good news for the Patriots (aside from facing the 1-5 Titans) is that their wide receiver room has performed above expectations so far in 2025, and the offense should still have plenty of juice if Diggs can’t go.

New England Patriots rookie Kyle Williams could be in line for elevated role with Stefon Diggs hurting

In Week 6 against New Orleans, Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas broke out with four catches for 71 yards and a 53-yard touchdown. 

Could Week 7 in Tennessee be rookie Kyle Williams’ long-awaited statement game?

Patriots fans thought they were getting an elite downfield threat in Williams, a third-round pick this year out of Washington State. We’re yet to see that talent blossom through six games, though, as Williams has been the one receiver Maye hasn’t flashed a strong connection with in 2025.

Williams hasn’t played enough offensive snaps to make an impact. He’s averaging around 11 reps per game, per Pro Football Focus, and has just two catches for 20 yards on the season.

That should change Sunday against the Titans if Diggs is held out, or is limited. Williams has been biding his time, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels hinted this week that his time is coming.

“Last week, he subbed in for Diggs. He subbed in for (Kayshon) Boutte. He subbed in for the slot receiver. So I think opportunities are there. He’s present and available every day at practice. He’s doing a really good job of understanding his assignments. … We just have to continue to try to press forward on the process of doing the right thing and I’m excited when he gets his opportunity. I really am. I’m looking forward to it.”

The Patriots seem to have a different breakout player every week. In Week 5 against Buffalo, it was Diggs. Last week against New Orleans, it was both Douglas and Boutte. 

Week 7 against Tennessee is shaping up like the perfect spot to see more of Williams, and the team will only be better for it if that happens.

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