Stefon Diggs’ Patriots Week 1 status becoming clearer

Stefon Diggs’ torn ACL recovery has been going very well.

The star receiver, who is less than 11 months removed from ACL surgery last season, is said to be “ramping up” to play in Week 1 on Sunday against the Raiders, according to NFL Netework.

Diggs passed his physical, and getting fully cleared to play allowed him to receive his signing bonus.

The veteran signed a three-year contract worth up to $69 million this offseason, but only $26 million is guaranteed.

The timetable for recovery for a torn ACL in the NFL typically averages out at about a year, but Diggs was said to be ahead of schedule in March, right around the time that he signed with New England.

While his offseason training has seemingly gone well, and it appears that he will play in the season-opening game, the rest of his offseason has been a bit of a headache.

Diggs missed organized team activities (OTAs), as a video of he and girlfriend Cardi B went viral on social media, where the star receiver brought out a strange pink substance.

“It’s something that we’re aware of,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said after the video’s released. “Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field.”

New England is expected to take a massive step forward after struggling last season to the tune of a 4-13 record, which led to Jerod Mayo being fired and replaced with Vrabel.

If the step forward that many are projecting is to happen, it’ll be in large part due to Diggs’ ability to create a deep connection with second-year standout quarterback Drake Maye.

The Patriots are 2.5-point favorites at FanDuel for the matchup against the new-look Raiders featuring Geno Smith and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.