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Sean McDermott was overly vague, as expected, when announcing that receiver Stefon Diggs was not at mandatory minicamp.
Josh Allen was not.
On Tuesday, the coach began his opening press conference prior to minicamp practice stating that Diggs would not be in attendance. Since then, we’ve been taken on a back-and-forth journey regarding the receiver’s status.
After the workout, the quarterback took the opposite approach. He fully supported his teammate.
“I know, internally, we’re working on some things. Not football related. But, you know Stef — he’s my guy. Excuse my [language], I f—– love him. He’s a brother of mine,” Allen said via video conference. “We wish he was in here today and was out there on the field with us, and that’s not the case. But I’ve got his back no matter what.”
Allen went on to say he does not think there is any personality clash ongoing between him and Diggs. Allen then added “I think we’re just, as an organization. maybe not communicating the right way–umm–with everything.”
The start to minicamp and Diggs storyline has taken several turns.
Right at the starting line, McDermott expressed a worrisome approach.
“Very concerned, very concerned,” McDermott said when asked to explain his feelings on Diggs not being at practice. “I’m not going to get into that anymore.”
In between McDermott and Allen speaking, reports and updates have gone in different directions.
An unclear update from Diggs’ agent disputed McDermott’s comment that the 29-year-old was not at practice.
The team then followed up and tried to clear the air. The Bills told local media that Diggs was in Buffalo prior to Tuesday’s workout but then left.
Diggs’ side then confirmed that was true but added they “did not know why [McDermott] said what he said today.” There was some optimism that “there are things being worked out” from his agent.
The issue between the Bills and Diggs is specifically unknown. Reportedly it’s non-money related but it had long been expected Diggs would be at minicamp despite cryptic comments he made throughout the offseason and his lack of attendance at voluntary workouts in recent weeks.
In 2022, Diggs was named an All-Pro for the second time during his career in Buffalo.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout minicamp.
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