A Mike Vrabel news conference is never been dull, and Thursday in Minnesota was no exception.
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The first-year New England Patriots coach had a sharp exchange with NBC Sports Boston reporter Phil Perry over comments made by receiver Stefon Diggs about his Week 1 status.
"Did you really believe that, Phil? I mean, you're a smart guy. I don't know where you went to school — it wasn't Ohio State. But like, do you really believe that? Or are you just trying to bait me into something?" Vrabel said.
Perry replied that he was not baiting Vrabel and noted Diggs had said he "wasn't sure" he would be ready for the Sept. 7 opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Diggs, signed by New England in free agency to a three-year, $63.5 million deal, is coming off a torn ACL suffered last October while playing for the Houston Texans. On the "Scoop City" podcast earlier this week, the four-time Pro Bowler said he feels "great" but added, "we'll see about Week 1."
Mike Vrabel vs Phil Perry pic.twitter.com/ll6V0e1cgC
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Vrabel said Thursday he was unclear on the context of Diggs' remark and pointed out the NFL star receiver has "been out here almost every day."
"I'm excited about where he's at and we'll see when Week 1 comes," Vrabel said. "He's going to practice today. Hopefully, he helps us in the red zone, but we can't predict the future. I just know he works hard and he cares, which are two important things."
Diggs scored three touchdowns in eight games for Houston last season before being traded from Buffalo, where he topped 1,000 yards in each of his four years and caught a career-high 11 touchdowns in 2022.
For Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker and Super Bowl champion, keeping reporters on their toes appears to be part of training camp.
