Tag: Stefon Diggs Football

Texans All-Pro WR predicted to leave Houston for NFC franchise

Stefon Diggs could be headed back to New York this offseason rather than sign a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.

Has Stefon Diggs played his last down as a member of the Houston Texans?

The two-time All-Pro receiver suffered a season-ending torn ACL on a non-contact play in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. He was on pace for a career year in receptions and would have likely garnered significant interest on the free agent market.

Acquired from the Buffalo Bills in April in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, the Texans voided the final three years of Diggs’ previous contract, thus making him a free agent in 2025. Houston could bring him back on a team-friendly two-year deal and let him rest building up to the 2025 campaign.

Other teams could be willing to pay more even with the injury playing a factor. Despite his injury, the 31-year-old remains a reliable weapon and consistent chain-mover as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 threat.

If Diggs were to test free agency, he’d had options. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report predicted one of those options to be Tampa Bay as the new No. 2 target for Baker Mayfield over Chris Godwin.

The other options? A return to the Empire State on a new deal with the New York Giants.

A short-term “prove-it” deal could make the Maryland product one of the best bargains of the offseason, though, as he had shown no signs of decline before the injury.

Diggs could be a sneaky target for the Buccaneers, should they lose Chris Godwin in free agency. They are projected to have $31.1 million in cap space, and Diggs might accept an incentive-laden contract that fits with their financial plan.

The New York Giants would also make a ton of sense for Diggs. New York may pivot to a new quarterback in 2025, and Diggs could serve as a high-end No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers—Darius Slayton is set to be a free agent.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll spent two seasons coaching Diggs as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator.

In eight games, Diggs caught a team-leading 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a wild card due to injury, but he’s also proven to be a high-upside target in the right offense, having been a year removed from a near 1,2000-yard campaign in Buffalo.

The Texans (6-4) take on the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) this Monday night on ESPN. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud comments on loss of WR Stefon Diggs

The Houston Texans will be without one of their top players in Stefon Diggs for the remainder of the 2024 season.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he didn’t have the words to describe the loss of Stefon Diggs.

It’s a next-man-up mentality inside the Texans’ locker room, but the second-year passer knows the season will be different without the four-time Pro Bowler by his side.

“You can’t really — you try to think positively about it, but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts,” Stroud said. “I just feel bad for him. I’m praying for him.”

Diggs suffered a torn ACL on a non-contact injury during Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss the remainder of the regular season. He’s expected to make a full recovery and play in 2025.
While attempting to run a route against Kenny Moore, Diggs grabbed his leg and immediately dropped to the ground. While he was able to walk off on his own pressure, he headed to the locker room and did not return to the field.

“He was having one of the best times he’s ever had on a team, at least that’s what he told us,” Stroud said. “I just feel for him and praying for him and just hoping that he keeps his head up high and he’ll bounce back even stronger.”
Acquired from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a second-round pick, Diggs was expected to be the constant No. 2 option for Stroud’s passing attack in a breakout year.
With the Texans voiding the final years of his contract, Diggs will become a free agent next offseason, meaning he could play elsewhere in 2025.
“He’s one guy who gave his all to everything we ever asked him to do,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s hurting and we’re hurting for him as well.”
A consistent playmaker during his time with the Bills and Minnesota Vikings, Diggs served as the Texans’ top option once Nico Collins was placed on the injured reserve. Before the injury, he ranked seventh in the NFL in catches (47) and was second on the Texans in receiving yards (496).

He was on pace for a season-high performance Sunday after hauling in a 49-yard catch in the third quarter. Diggs left with a team-leading five receptions for 81 yards.

“His impact is huge,” Stroud said. “Stef has been somebody who you know you can lean on as a friend, as a teammate, as a brother, somebody who gives you life advice and somebody who just is an OG, just a vet, has played a lot of ball and lived a lot of life.”

Right now, the Texans don’t seem interested in adding a receiver before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5. Their options are also limited after the Ravens traded for Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson Tuesday afternoon.

Davante Adams (Jets), Amari Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) were all other options that were traded to AFC contenders earlier this month. Jacksonville’s Christian Krik was expected to be moved before he suffered a season-ending broken collarbone on Sunday.

Houston has weapons outside Diggs and Collins, but the production hasn’t matched the hype entering Week 9. Tank Dell, who broke out with 709 receiving yards in 11 games as a rookie, is third on the Texans in receiving yards (229) and touchdowns (2).

He also caught a 7-yard touchdown pass in Sunday’s win over the Colts during the second quarter.

“Tank has been an explosive player in college he was explosive, he has been explosive for us,” Ryans said. “Tank just has to be Tank.”

 

The Texans envision Dell as a franchise cornerstone, so he’ll need to step up as the new No. 1 until Collins can return.
Dell’s not alone, however, since Robert Woods, John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson are all expected to produce starting Thursday night against the New York Jets.
“Everybody has got to step up,” Dell said. “Even if you are one of the star players, you still have to step up and do more and produce more. I know all of us are more than capable of doing that. So, we are going to try to go out there and make plays.”

Texans officially place WR Stefon Diggs on season-ending injured reserve

Stefon Diggs’ season with the Houston Texans has come to an end after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8.

Stefon Diggs’ season is officially over.

The Houston Texans placed the four-time Pro Bowler on the reserve/injured reserve Tuesday after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts.

Diggs, who will be a free agent at the end of the regular season, is expected to make a full recovery and play in 2025.

“He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”

Acquired this offseason from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs suffered the injury on a non-contact play in 1:51 remaining in the third quarter. He tried to cut inside against Colts defensive back Kenny Moore II on a route and grabbed his right knee, then sat on the turf.

While Diggs walked off on his own power, he headed to the locker room and didn’t return.

“It’s not easy,” Stroud said. “You try to think positively but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts. And I just really feel bad for him.”

Expected to be the No. 2 option, Diggs had taken over as Stroud’s favorite target with Nico Collins sidelined. He ranked seventh overall in receptions (47) and was second on the team in receiving yards (496).

“He’s one guy who gave his all to everything we ever asked him to do,” Ryans said. “He’s hurting and we’re hurting for him as well.”

The Texans take on the New York Jets Thursday Night at MetLife Stadium at 7:15 p.m. CT.

Is Stefon Diggs out for the year? Update on Texans WR

Houston Texans Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans have an update on Stefon Diggs. It’s not the one that fans wanted to hear entering Thursday’s game against the New York Jets.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced that Diggs suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss the remainder of the season.

“It hurts,” Ryans said. “It hurts our team to hear that news. He’s been such an important part of our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field but off the field, the energy, the leadership, the way he worked every single day; he brought a lot to our team.

“It’s definitely a blow to us.”

Stefon Diggs injury update

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro with the Buffalo Bills, tried to cut inside on a route against Colts cornerback Kenny Moore with 1:51 remaining in the third quarter and immediately dropped to the ground. While he was able to leave the field on his own power, he was on the turf for several minutes while being checked out by the Texans’ medical staff.

How long will Stefon Diggs be out?

Even though the Texans didn’t practice on Monday, the team released an injury report stating that Diggs wouldn’t have practiced. He’s expected to undergo surgery and should be cleared to return at some point next season.

Stefon Diggs stats

With Nico Collins sidelined because of a hamstring injury, Diggs has stepped up as the new No. 1 threat. In his eight games, the All-Pro target led the Texans with 47 receptions, ranks second in receiving yards with 492 and is tied for first in receiving touchdowns with three.

Prior to leaving, Diggs was on pace to record his first 100-yard outing of the season. He finished with five catches for 81 yards, including a season-long 49-yard reception in the third quarter.

“It sucks,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “It’s not easy. It’s not something I can have a whole bunch of words for. I’m just hoping and trying to wrap my mind around what happened. It’s tough.”

Texans WR depth chart

With Collins and Diggs out, Houston must turn to its other quality options. Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson and Robert Woods all must step up until Collins can return for Week 10’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.

In Sunday’s game, Schultz finished with 52 yards off four catches. Dell hasn’t found his stride yet, but he did catch a 7-yard touchdown pass just before halftime and finished with 32 yards.

Metchie stepped up in Diggs’ place and had three catches for 29 yards, including a critical 28-yard catch in the third quarter.

Hutchinson and Woods both caught passes over 12 yards in Sunday’s win and picked up first downs.

“Our guys have been here and been working,” Ryans said. “They understand how we do things and what we do. We’re excited to see who steps up next.”

The Jets could create problems in the passing game for Stroud. Despite being 2-6, New York ranks in second passing yards per game at 161.1.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Texans Wire will continue to update you on the Diggs’ status. 

Texans WR Stefon Diggs admits what beating Bills meant to him

Stefon Diggs didn’t allow his emotions to bleed through during the week, but the Houston Texans receiver was honest following a win over the Buffalo Bills.

Stefon Diggs was quiet throughout the week leading up to Week 5’s showdown against the Buffalo Bills.

He never put the spotlight on himself, stating that he wouldn’t feel any extra emotions when taking on his old team.

But when Ka’imi Fairbirn’s game-winning 59-yard field goal cleared the uprights as time expired Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium, Diggs finally let his emotions tell the story.

“Honestly, it meant a lot to me,” Diggs said in front of dozens of reporters from both Houston and Buffalo following the Texans’ 23-20 win. “I held it in all week energy-wise. I tried not to bring it up too much. I had an interview earlier in the week where I just tried to keep it professional, but in the back of my mind it meant a lot to me. I wanted to do more showing than telling.”

https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1843038228804506109/video/1

Sunday marked the first matchup between Houston and Buffalo since the two sides worked out a trade to send Diggs to Texas from Western New York. Even though he never requested a trade, both sides figured after last season’s playoff exit that change was needed.

Before hauling in touchdown passes from C.J. Stroud, Diggs became one of the league’s top targets while serving as Josh Allen’s go-to weapon. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and earned All-Pro status in 2020.

While Diggs didn’t find the end zone, he served as the difference-maker in the passing game for Stroud after Nico Collins left with a hamstring injury in the first quarter, catching six passes for a team-leading 82 yards.

Two catches were for first-down conversions, including one that set up a 47-yard field goal for Fairbairn in the third quarter.

“He made some really big catches on third down to keep drives moving,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Play after play, Diggs stepped up and made plays. So I’m happy for him that we were able to get this win for him.”

Diggs, who is playing for a new contract after the Texans voided the final three years of his previous deal, told his teammates that Buffalo would be a “measuring stick” on where they stand among AFC contenders.

Entering Monday night, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the only undefeated roster in the conference at 4-0. Houston sits at 4-1 and could be viewed as the second-best roster in the AFC.

“If you want to be a good team, beat a good team because that’s a good team,” Diggs said of playing Buffalo. “They’re real disciplined, well-coached, and there are hell of players over there.”

Without Diggs, Josh Allen struggled to find any consistent passing. He finished  9-of-30 for a season-low 131 yards with one touchdown and a passer rating of 56.

No receiver for Buffalo totaled more than 49 yards on the afternoon.

“I understand he’s on their team,” Allen said after his interaction with Diggs. “He’s a great player, made some good plays for them and he was on the winning team.”

Diggs told reporters postgame that despite the victory, the celebration time is short-lived. Houston’s only a game behind the Chiefs and one above Buffalo in the AFC standings.

All three teams are in prime position to return to the postseason once more, so rocky performances that come down to game-winning kicks can’t be the backbone of the roster for the next 13 games.

But for a brief moment, Diggs can exhale with a sigh of gratitude to remain standing on the side of victory. Every win counts, but some signify more than what appears in the standings.

“He just wanted to play well against his former team,” Stroud said. “He did a good job by just letting his emotions affect his play, and he played great. Just happy that he’s happy with this dub.”

The Texans will travel to face the New England Patriots in Week 6. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Josh Allen takes percieved shot at former teammate, current Texans WR Stefon Diggs

Josh Allen might have doused a bit more fuel on the fire heading into Week 5’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

Did Josh Allen add a bit more fuel to the fire in Week 5’s matchup against former teammate Stefon Diggs and the Houston Texans?

It certainly seemed that way based on his comments Monday night following a 47-10 thrashing over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Allen, perhaps the early MVP favorite, credited his receivers for making life a breeze at Highmark Stadium on Monday Night Football. He also mentioned how his new cast of pass-catchers aren’t always trying to pad their stats.

“It’s a fun and wonderful thing when you got a bunch of guys that don’t care about the stats, they don’t care about the touchdowns,” Allen told the local media. “And again, I think, throughout practice, we’ve just had this mindset of, ‘Hey, let’s just do things the right way, and find ways to win football games,’ and that’s what we’re doing right now.”

To be fair, Diggs’ name wasn’t mentioned. Also, Allen played against former teammate Gabe Davis, who signed a massive contract in the offseason to leave Western New York to join forces with Trevor Lawrence.

Still, Diggs’ frustration with the offense led to his eventual trade to the Texans this offseason. After the firing of Ken Dorsey, Diggs’ production took a significant dip, leading to 12 consecutive sub-100-yard games.

In two playoff games, Diggs combined for less than 100 yards and 10 catches.

While Buffalo might not have a top-tier target on the roster, it’s been the definition of consistent when scoring. The Bills have scored at least 31 points, with Allen posting a pair of multi-touchdown games.

He’s also yet to throw an interception and currently leads the NFL in passer rating (133.7) while ranking second in completion percentage (75.0).

Diggs, who currently is in a contract year after the Texans voided the final three years on his contract, might be hitting his stride at the right time. Nico Collins leads the NFL in receiving yards, but Diggs leads the Texans in receptions with 20.

In Sunday’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs posted a season-high 10 catches on 12 targets for 90 yards.

Houston plays host to the Bills in two weeks after returning this Sunday to take on the Jaguars this Sunday at noon.

Texans Wire Player of the Game: WR Stefon Diggs

Stefon Diggs wasn’t perfect, but he was the Houston Texans’ most consistent target in Sunday’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings.

While the Houston Texans suffered an embarrassing 34-7 loss at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, they did win in one area.

Leadership.

And the man at the helm? All-Pro receiver and newcomer Stefon Diggs, who stepped into the captain role after Houston found itself trailing 14-0 entering the second quarter.

Diggs, who spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the NFC North franchise, wasn’t pleased with how the team looked after promising outings against Indianapolis and Chicago. He told reporters postgame that no one was playing the standard expected from a contending club.

“At the end of the day, we’ll be fine,” Diggs said postgame in the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium. “Obviously, things didn’t go as planned, but was trying to get things back on track.”

While the Texans’ offense stalled, Diggs delivered. In his first game back since being traded to Buffalo in 2020, the four-time Pro Bowler Houston in receptions (10), targets (12) and receiving yards (90). He also picked up seven of the Texans’ 16 first downs.

“I played here for a long time, and I saw lots of offenses struggle when I was on the other side,” Diggs said. “Obviously, it was a tough atmosphere, but a lot of it was self-inflicted.”

Overall, no one stood out on either side. Tim Settle Jr. had two sacks in his first start. Cam Akers, who filled in for the injured Joe Mixon, found the end zone on a 6-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud but mustered up only 21 rushing yards.

Stroud, who was consistent in his first two starts, finished 20-of-31 for 215 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. His first pass of the afternoon was picked off when Harrison Phillips batted the ball right into the hands of former Texans linebacker Kamu Gruiger-Hill for a 21-yard return.

His second interception was just a late pass intended for Nico Collins, who finished with four catches for 86 yards.

“We’re still a force to be reckoned with. and we’re still very dangerous,” Stroud said. “We’ve built a foundation solid on rock.”

Someone has to earn player of the game stats. When looking at the emotions surrounding Diggs’ return to the place that kickstarted his All-Pro career, it’s hard to argue with the results.

For his efforts, Diggs is Texans Wire’s Player of the Week and the third recipient of the award, joining Mixon and kicker Kai’imi Fairbairn.

Texans WR Stefon Diggs reaches receiving milestone against Colts

Stefon Diggs has made NFL history with his first reception as a member of the Houston Texans.

Welcome to the next 10K club, Stefon Diggs.

The newest member of the Houston Texans became the 55th player in NFL  history and to hit the 10,000-yard plateau during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Cotts. With the 10-yard reception, Diggs has totaled 10,005 yards since entering the league in 2015.

The Texans settled for a 51-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn to take a 3-0 lead at Lucas Oil Stadium.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1832830331587555684

Diggs, who was traded this offseason from Buffalo, has been a consistent playmaker for Houston since the start of training camp. He was voted by his teammates as a captain, something he wanted to achieve with his third roster.

“I had to earn something I wanted for myself,” Diggs told reporters Thursday afternoon. “I feel like being a captain and that level of accountability not only just holds those around you accountable, it holds yourself accountable. You are who you are. You can’t run from that.”

Diggs is currently the eight in receiving yards among active players behind Julio Jones (13,703), DeAndre Hopkins (12,355), Mike Evans (11,680), Travis Kelce (11,362), Davante Adams (10,781) and Keenan Allen (10,530).

The Texans will recieve the ball to begin the second half.

Texans training camp: C.J. Stroud and Stefon Diggs connection continues to blossom

Stefon Diggs might have been run out of town last year in Buffalo, but he’s running his way to being the Houston Texans’ No. 1 target in 2024.

Stefon Diggs was brought over from Buffalo to help the Houston Texans extend their explosive passing attack.

On Wednesday, the can’t-miss plays reached a new level.

Diggs and second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud looked in sync deep downfield as the duo connected for a pair of touchdown passes. One went for 40 yards. The other went for 60.

Even with Nico Collins and Tank Dell on the roster, Diggs remains the top name nationally. And even after a sluggish finish to his time in Buffalo, the 30-year-old still looks like a prominent No. 1 receiver and nightmare in man coverage for defensive backs.

“He’s got wicked hands, like wicked hands,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said following Wednesday’s practice. When the ball’s in his vicinity, he can snatch it.”

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl target for Josh Allen, isn’t slowing down. During one-on-one drills, he bested rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter all three times, though one of the passes went out of bounds.

He’s also held his own against Derek Stingley Jr. in coverage. He’s lost a few reps. He’s also won more now with extensive reps alongside Stroud.

“The amount of times those two have put in together with no one else around, with no one watching, no video cameras filming for coaches, you guys not here, they are making sure they are putting the work in,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. “We know that and we have seen it a lot of times before it comes to fruition and practice in team periods. You can see it in routes on air.”

Diggs needed a fresh start after another playoff loss in Buffalo. His role decreased after the Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and promoted quarterbacks coach Joe Brady.

Even with a lackluster end, Diggs still finished with 107 receptions for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns. He was on pace for an All-Pro year before Dorsey’s departure and has posted six consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns since 2019 with the Vikings.

“He’s got some of the better hands I’ve seen, and then just his ability to get open from an understanding standpoint and [his] route-running, it’s impressive,” Burke said.

So far, Diggs’ role on gamedays has been limited. He didn’t suit up with the rest of the starters in the Hall of Fame game. Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played two drives and wasn’t targeted in a 20-12 win.

Starters will play on Saturday against the New York Giants in the preseason home opener and Diggs is expected to see more action. Perhaps fans will finally see him reach the end zone for six points.

If they don’t on Saturday, they’ll have 17 games to catch him this fall. Even with Collins and Dell, Diggs has delivered in practice.

He plans to deliver on Sundays, too.

Nico Collins gives high prasie to new Texans WR Stefon Diggs

Nico Collins might only be five years younger than Stefon Diggs, but there’s a sense of ageism between the two Houston Texans receivers.

Nico Collins respects his elders, which apparently includes new Houston Texans receiver Stefon Diggs.

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and newest member of the Texans’ passing game, looks to be the last piece for Houston a run to the postseason. He’s been consistent since being drafted out of Maryland in 2015, dominating the AFC over his four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Why does 2015 ring a bell for Collins? That was his sophomore season at Clay-Chalkville High School out in Pinson, Alabama, though Collins said he’s been watching Diggs since his time in middle school.

“He’s been very successful in his league, man,” Collins said last week of Diggs. “And for him to be in the room with us, man, and a teammate of mine, of everybody, man, just the success he’s had on the field, man, there’s no better feeling. You can pick his brain, pick how he moves, how he thinks.”

While 30 doesn’t seem old in the big picture, it’s not young in NFL lingo. Diggs, who enters his 10th season in the pros, already has proven how dangerous his skill set is when left alone in coverage, especially during his time as Josh Allen’s top weapon in Buffalo.

Collins, 25, recently cashed in on a new three-year, $72.5 million extension. He’s entering Year 4, but keep in mind that he was entering his freshman year at Michigan when Diggs hauled in a catch from Texans’ backup QB Case Keenum for what would go on to be the Minneapolis Miracle.

That was 2018. Two years later, Diggs was traded to Buffalo and became the NFL leader in receptions (127) en route to an All-Pro honor in 2020. He also has six consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns and has led all receivers in catches (445) since 2020.

And Diggs is already playing for a new deal after signing two contracts in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Most players — especially receivers — are on shelf life after their rookie contract is up, let alone playing for a fourth deal entering the offseason.

Maybe Diggs isn’t a fan of being the old man in the locker room, but he won’t be alone catching passes from C.J. Stroud. While perhaps a staple of the offense, Diggs is splitting targets with Collins and breakout rookie Tank Dell, who finished with over 700 receiving yards in 11 games last season.

The Texans also brought back tight end Dalton Schultz on a three-year contract and traded for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon earlier this offseason.

Collins knows his target shares may dwindle, but adding Diggs might be worth it if Houston can get back into the postseason.

“Him being a part of the room, joining the field with him. sharing the field with him, just picking his brain, we push each other,” said Collins.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium Tuesday for a three-day camp before taking an extended break until training camp begins in late July.