If you are referring to the New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints matchup, Stefon Diggs was expected to play and was not listed on the Patriots’ injury report heading into the game. The available pregame information indicated that the veteran wide receiver was healthy enough to take the field.
Diggs entered the matchup with considerable attention surrounding his availability because he was coming off a serious ACL injury suffered during the 2024 season with the Houston Texans. However, his recovery progressed well enough for him to return to the Patriots in 2025. By the time New England prepared for its meeting with New Orleans, there was no indication that the previous knee injury would prevent him from playing.
Diggs Expected to Be Available
The biggest positive sign was his absence from the Patriots’ injury report before the Saints game. That suggested New England expected Diggs to be available for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterback Drake Maye.
Diggs also appeared in the Patriots’ pregame activities. The team’s official website published footage of him leading the team huddle before the Saints matchup, another indication that he was involved and ready to play.
For New England, Diggs’ presence was particularly important because of his experience and ability to create separation. The Patriots had invested heavily in him as an experienced weapon for Maye, and his return from the ACL injury was one of the major storylines surrounding the team’s offense.
What Could His Workload Look Like?
Even though Diggs was expected to play, his workload was something worth monitoring. Coming off an ACL injury, New England had been careful about managing his snaps rather than immediately putting him into an every-down role.
That approach was evident in the Saints game. Diggs ultimately played 59% of New England’s offensive snaps, according to a subsequent report. That represented an increase from his previous workload and showed that the Patriots were gradually becoming more comfortable with his availability.
Therefore, fantasy football managers and Patriots supporters should distinguish between being active and receiving a full workload. Diggs could play without necessarily seeing the same snap count he might have received before his injury.
Diggs’ Importance to Drake Maye
The matchup also represented an important opportunity for Drake Maye. Having a veteran receiver such as Diggs gives the young quarterback another experienced target capable of winning contested catches and creating opportunities downfield.
Diggs himself emphasized the importance of quickly moving past the Patriots’ previous game and concentrating on New Orleans. He described the Saints as a talented team despite their record and warned that the matchup could be an even bigger test for New England.
Bottom Line
Yes — Stefon Diggs was expected to play against the New Orleans Saints. There was no pregame indication that an injury would keep him out, and official Patriots material showed him participating in the team’s pregame activities.
The bigger question was not whether Diggs would suit up, but how many snaps he would receive as the Patriots continued managing his return from his previous ACL injury. His eventual 59% offensive snap rate showed that New England was increasing his involvement while still exercising some caution.
Note: The Saints game referenced by the available reports was the Patriots–Saints matchup from October 12, 2025, not a game being played today, August 9, 2026. The NFL is currently in the preseason period, so there is no Patriots–Saints regular-season game today.
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