What’s behind Stefon Diggs’ reduced playing time? Josh McDaniels offers explanation

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What’s behind Stefon Diggs’ reduced playing time? Josh McDaniels offers explanation

Karen Guregian · MassLive

Thu, Dec 18, 2025 ·

3 min read

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FOXBOROUGH - Against Buffalo on Sunday, Stefon Diggs, who lit up the Bills in the first meeting between the teams, played a season-low 26 snaps.

Or, just 50% of the offensive plays. During the two previous games, he played less than that (47.7%, 47.9%).

During his media availability Thursday, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was asked the reason behind the dip with Diggs’ offensive plays.

McDaniels pretty much claimed there was nothing to see on that topic. The receivers’ diminished playing time was more a matter of circumstance.

“You know, there’s a lot of guys that got fewer snaps on Sunday because we didn’t earn enough snaps in the game,” McDaniels said, referencing the 35-31 loss to the Bills. “And so, we look at it, Stef has done a great job and so whether it’s Stef, or TreVeyon (Henderson), who played in the 20s on Sunday, I’d love TreVeyon to play in the 50s ... but when you don’t have 50 plays, it’s hard for us to establish that volume for any one player.

“Look, they all should want to play as many snaps as we have. And, that’s an impossibility because I know we’re trying to use everybody and trying to get contributions from all of them.

“But for us, and for me specifically, let’s see if we can establish more rhythm on both the first half, second half, get the play count up into the high 60s, 70s, and now I think the opportunities for every player on the team go up. So, no, there’s no special reason for that.”

Diggs, who is a year removed from a season-ending ACL injury, assumed the No. 1 receiver role and certainly looked the part for the first 10 games or so.

But his production and playing time has fallen off during the last three games. It wasn’t just Buffalo.

On Wednesday, the 4-time Pro Bowler said his lack of playing time has been an adjustment.

“Just trying to get used to it. It was kind of the same in the beginning of the year, too,” Diggs said. “I just try to take advantage of the opportunities I do get and when I am out there, be a vessel, be a positive force rather than being any other way. I’m adjusting to it. I just try to do what I’m asked and handle it the best way I can.

“I always want to be out there. I want to make plays, and I want to play at a high level. We have a lot of skill guys. We’ve got a lot of amazing players. I’m just doing what I can.”

On the year, Diggs has 67 catches for 731 yards with three touchdowns.

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