ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Stefon Diggs participated in Buffalo Bills mandatory minicamp Wednesday, taking part in individual drills, but not team work.
As for what happened the day before, Head Coach Sean McDermott clarified things, saying Diggs did everything asked of him and explained how conversations prior to practice Tuesday led to the wide receiver’s absence on the field.
“We got to a point yesterday where we just felt like we all needed a break and some space, so I gave Stef permission to get some space and head out and then picked up those conversations after practice,” said McDermott. “So let me make it clear, it was not Stef leaving unexcused. He was excused by me.”
McDermott wouldn’t get into the specifics of those conversations, but said they’ve led to the issues being resolved in his mind, with no concern over anything lingering into training camp.
“Those conversations have got us to where I think and believe is a great spot,” said McDermott. “Sometimes you have to have conversations. You need to communicate and I appreciate Stef for being willing to communicate. I thought he did a great job. You guys need to understand Stef’s a valuable member of this football team. He’s one of our captains and a leader on this football team. He works extremely, extremely hard, as hard as any player I’ve been around to be elite in this league. And that’s what he is. And I love him.”
Of course that last time we saw Diggs prior to today is what’s fueled a lot of this fire, as the wide receiver was seen yelling at quarterback Josh Allen on the sidelines during the playoff loss to the Bengals. Allen mentioned Tuesday that he and the Bills need to work on making sure Diggs is regularly involved in the offense — and McDermott agrees.
“Getting Stef the ball is an important part of our offense,” said McDermott. “There’s no reason to say it isn’t. He’s the big focal point of our offense in addition to Josh. So it’s important to get him going and the more production he has, the more production we have as an offense. Those usually work hand in hand. And I’ve said it before, he provides great energy to our football team overall. Not just offensively, but defensively and special teams and that’s big for us.”
There’s one final step to go in this saga: Hearing from Diggs himself, which hasn’t happened since late last season.