Stefon Diggs Praises Patriots’ Dedication as 41 Players Lift on Off Day
Bill Belichick would be proud
Unless they’re on a bye week, NFL players don’t get many off days during the season. There’s always a game to review and another one to start preparing for.
When they do get some time off, they usually use that time to let their bodies heal and spend quality time with friends and family.
Not the New England Patriots, however. Mike Vrabel revealed that during the team’s off day on Tuesday, 41 players showed up to work anyway and lifted at the team’s facility.
Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs wasn’t surprised by his teammates’ impressive turnout and dedication.
“At this point, I feel like we know who we are. We know where we want to go and what it’s going to take to get there. So guys coming in on the off day, putting that time in, I’m not surprised,” Diggs told reporters on Wednesday.
If anyone’s earned an off day, it’s the Patriots. They’ve won six straight games and are tied for the NFL’s best record at 7-2.
New England has a tough road game coming up this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, however, and wants to do everything it can to prepare. The Patriots remain focused on getting better and stronger every day, which speaks to their commitment and desire to keep improving under Mike Vrabel.
Former Lions Quarterback Signs New Deal in NFC After Release
Hendon Hooker didn’t need long to find his next opportunity in the NFL after his release from the Detroit Lions during Tuesday’s 53-man roster cutdown.
According to The Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye, the Carolina Panthers are planning to sign Hooker — a 2022 third-round pick for the Lions — to their practice squad after the 27-year-old cleared waivers Wednesday and became an unrestricted free agent.
Hooker had contended for the Lions’ backup quarterback job behind starter Jared Goff in training camp over the past month, but he decisively lost the battle to veteran Kyle Allen after a rough preseason in which he completed just 55% of his passes (22-of-40) and finished with three interceptions, two lost fumbles and zero total touchdowns.
All told, Hooker played just 33 total offensive snaps in three career games for the Lions over the past two seasons, completing 6-of-9 passes for 62 yards and no touchdowns.
Hooker will now have an opportunity to earn playing time behind Panthers starter and former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who is entering his third season as signal-caller. The Panthers also have veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on their active roster, but his status is unclear for Week 1’s season opener against Jacksonville because of an injury.
Hendon Hooker Could Earn Week 1 Roster Opportunity
Hooker’s time with the Lions has reached its end, but his fresh start with the Panthers could see him earn a roster role early in the new season, depending on Dalton’s health.
Dalton has been nursing an elbow injury since bowing out of the Panthers’ August 16 preseason game against the Houston Texans after just one series of action. While he has continued to participate in practice and stuck around as one of two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster on Tuesday, it is a situation Carolina must monitor heading into Week 1.
If the Panthers are worried about Dalton’s elbow next week, they could elevate Hooker from the practice squad to serve as their emergency third quarterback on game day
If the Panthers are concerned about Dalton’s elbow, they could elevate Hooker from the practice squad to replace Dalton in the lineup as the No. 2 quarterback behind Young. Alternatively, they could sign him to the 53-man roster and take advantage of the NFL’s third quarterback rule, which allows teams to bring a third QB from their active roster into the game if injury or disqualification has eliminated the other two quarterbacks.
Either way, Hooker should stay ready in case the Panthers call his number.
Will Lions Pursue a No. 3 QB for Practice Squad?
The Lions might not have wanted to re-sign Hooker to their practice squad as their No. 3 quarterback behind Goff and Allen, but their opportunity to do so has now passed.
Given that, could the Lions seek out another third-string quarterback to sign to their practice squad in the days leading up to their regular-season opener on September 7?
The Lions will have options if they want to add another developmental arm like Hooker. One possibility is former 2023 fifth-round pick Sean Clifford, who has spent his rookie season as the backup behind Green Bay Packers starter Jordan Love before slumping to the practice squad in 2024. The 27-year-old went unclaimed on waivers Wednesday.
Another option is Dorian Thompson-Robinson, another 2023 fifth-rounder who played in 15 games and made five starts for the Cleveland Browns over the past two seasons.
New England isn’t getting complacent or taking anything for granted. The Patriots are hungry and willing to go the extra mile to succeed, channeling Bill Belichick’s famous “no days off” mantra.
Time will tell if that translates to a win in Tampa Bay on Sunday.