The runway appears clear for Stefon Diggs to make a proper introduction to the New England Patriots fan base.

Diggs is more than 10 months removed from the torn ACL he suffered last season as a member of the Houston Texans. The Patriots signed Diggs to an incentive-laden contract, knowing there were huge question marks surrounding his recovery timeline.

Based on the latest report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots’ gamble is expected to pay off early. Diggs is said to be “ramping up” in practice with the full expectation that he will play Sunday in New England’s season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Diggs had an extra financial incentive to get healthy in time for Week 1. His contract reportedly required him to pass his physical before he received his signing bonus, which Spotrac lists at a prorated $4 million for the upcoming season.

Several positive reports before training camp season indicated that Diggs was “ahead of schedule” in his recovery. But the four-time Pro Bowler missed the entire preseason. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel stayed cryptic when asked about Diggs’ three preseason DNPs, which led to questions about his status for Week 1.

Diggs’ offseason was defined mostly by his off-field issues rather than anything football-related. His behavior reportedly strained his relationship with Vrabel. But it’s nothing the star receiver can’t fix with a touchdown or two in their first game together.

Diggs was in the midst of another productive season in 2024 before hurting his knee in Week 8. He tallied 47 catches for 496 yards and 3 touchdowns across eight contests with the Texans.