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Patriots’ Stefon Diggs Sends Message After Christian Gonzalez Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 4:22 PM ET

Through the first two weeks of the season, the New England Patriots are 1-1 and will look to win their second consecutive game during their Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After missing the playoffs in four of their last five seasons, New England is hoping to get things back on track, and their busy offseason was proof of that.

Most notably, the team hired Mike Vrabel, who was named the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year, to be their head coach after firing Jerod Mayo after one season. Furthermore, the team made some big moves in the offseason, such as signing four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Though the Patriots are looking to have a bounce-back season, they have dealt with a big obstacle that is making it difficult for them to realize their full potential. All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and has not suited up yet this season. However, the Texas native returned to practice on Wednesday and made it clear that he was "excited" to do so.

“Just excited. Excited to be back out there," Gonzalez said following his return to practice after missing the first two weeks of the season. "I love football. This is what I do. So it’s been very challenging to be out for so long.”

Christian Gonzalez on participating in practice today for the first time in over a month:

“Just excited. Excited to be back out there. I love football. This is what I do. So it’s been very challenging to be out for so long.”
-@CLNSMedia #Patriots #NFL pic.twitter.com/BXoV8eRSaD
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) September 17, 2025

Following his return to practice, many are wondering what that could mean for Gonzalez's game status against Pittsburgh. Naturally, many Patriots fans and those within the organization are hoping for him to make his return sooner rather than later. This includes Diggs, who sent a message about his teammate on Wednesday.

Stefon Diggs Wants to See Christian Gonzalez Back On the Field

On paper, the Patriots have a much better roster than they did last year, and it is fair to say this team has legitimate playoff aspirations. However, they have yet to put their best team together, and they will not be able to until Gonzalez makes it back onto the field.

On Wednesday, Diggs spoke about the idea of having the Oregon alum make his return to the team in Week 3.

“We would be super excited to have him back. Hell of a player," Diggs said about Gonzalez.

Stefon Diggs on Christian Gonzalez: “We would be super excited to have him back. Hell of a player.”
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) September 17, 2025

Gonzalez is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and is crucial to New England's success. In his place, the Patriots have relied on Carlton Davis, who they signed in free agency, and Alex Austin.

Both players have been solid for the team so far this season, but it is still clear that they are missing their star cornerback. Hopefully for New England, they can get Gonzalez back on the field sooner rather than later as they look to make some noise in the AFC the rest of the way.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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