The pet adoption event was definitely the talk of the town with little furry friends galore, but the biggest news on day one of camp was the guy with the runaway pup not on the PUP list. Stefon Diggs.
Diggs made an entrance with a cute little buddy, who then proceeded to elude him for a few moments as the furry guy tasted freedom, but sure hands soon prevailed and Diggs “got his guy”.
If you’re a Pats fan that takes in at least some social media hype during the off season, you’ll have seen recently that Diggs seems to be ready to prove himself, working hard to return to practice with a full participation on day one following his torn ACL injury back in October 2024.
Hopping back to the PUP list, the none-furry-two-legged kind that is, and we were informed residents of said list are currently TE Austin Hooper, OT Vederian Lowe and WR Mack Hollins with wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk a none participant at the first day of practice.
Not the best news if you’re a tight end enthusiast. So am I going to spend training camp praying to the sports deities that perhaps CJ Dupree is a stud… maybe. I shall at least be keeping my eye on him, Jack Westover and Gee Scott Jr. As well as Jahiem Bell as he enters his second year with the team. Whilst obviously hoping Hooper gets back to full health and on the field quick smart!
With only two team periods in the 90 minute session, not in pads, it does feel really early to assess… well… much.
Sure, there were yaps of the o-line looking a little shaky at times and of course the defense is even more difficult to evaluate without the pads, and so I murmur “early days” under my breath whilst I sip my coffee and listen to some of the more negative of the media have a grumble (or maybe even a growl? Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!)
Definitely some positive news came in defensive additions, with the note that Carlton Davis, who had been on NFI, was already suited up and participating in day one, and that Defensive Co-ordinator Terrell Williams was in the building and with the team. Positive from a football standpoint of course, but even more so for Terrell and his family. Football may be our passion but health always comes first, and as a fan I’m relieved that he’s back, if for that reason alone.
With Coach Vrabel out there running around and getting physical it is easy to believe him when he says there’s new energy in the building. It really does feel like a new dawn and a new day to this Patriots fan, and I hope for you lovely lot too. Go Pats!