Stefon Diggs: Reduced playing time an adjustment with Patriots

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Stefon Diggs: Reduced playing time an adjustment with Patriots

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Wed, Dec 17, 2025 ·

4 min read

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FOXBOROUGH – Stefon Diggs came to the Patriots with high expectations, and early on, he was more than living up to the billing.

A year removed from a season-ending knee injury, the Pro Bowler looked like a legitimate No. 1 receiver over the course of the first 11 games this season. At one point, he was on pace to surpass the 1,000-yard mark this season. However, over the last three weeks, the veteran’s production and playing time have dipped.

Diggs has eight receptions for 72 yards combined in the Patriots ’ last three games. Against Buffalo, the receiver played a season-low 26 offensive snaps, which was 50% of the plays. Diggs played 47.7% and 47.9% of the offensive snaps in the two games before that.

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.”

Despite the fewer snaps, Diggs is still the Patriots ’ most productive player. The 32-year-old leads the Patriots in targets (83), receptions (67), and receiving yards (731). He’s also caught 80.7% of the targets thrown his way this season.

From Week 1 to Week 11, it was different for Diggs. The receiver’s playing time fluctuated between 51.7% and 68.7% of the offensive snaps in the first 11 games. Diggs’ snap count peaked against the New York Jets in Week 11, where he caught nine passes for 105 yards.

Since that week, however, Diggs’ playing time has dipped to season lows. Diggs played 47.9% of the snaps against Cincinnati , 47.7% against the Giants, and then 50% of the snaps against Buffalo last weekend.

Diggs said he wasn’t injured.

“I’m great. I feel great. I ain’t got no issues,” Diggs said. “I’ve been feeling pretty good, actually. And we got that bye week, so I feel ready to fly around.”

After his 105-yard performance against the Jets, Diggs has failed to reach the 30-yard mark in the last three games against Cincinnati (two catches, 20 yards), New York (three catches, 26 yards), and Buffalo (three catches, 26 yards).

When asked if teams were defending him differently, Diggs said, “Not really.”

Not really. They haven’t done nothing that they haven’t done all year. I’m just going to continue to do my job. It’s a team sport, so just got to take things in stride and control what I can control. I don’t really be tripping.”

In the Patriots’ loss to the Bills, the team’s passing game hit a season-low as Maye failed to reach the 200-yard passing mark for the first time this season.

The Patriots’ next matchup in Baltimore would be a good time for Diggs to get back on track. The Ravens rank 26th in the NFL in passing defense, and Diggs noted they rely more on man coverage in the secondary.

“I much prefer it, if you may,” Diggs said. “In the past, I remember they were a heavy man team… At least you know what you’re getting, 1-on-1, you’re against one other guy. I prefer it.”

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