Stefon Diggs’ $22 million contract gamble this season backfired in the worst way after the star received devastating injury news yet again.
Diggs suffered a serious knee injury in the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. What made the injury concerning was the fact that it was a noncontact injury, with fans fearing the worst after seeing the play.
After a handful of days of testing, the full extent of Diggs’ injuries was made public. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the organization and the fans’ worst fears: Diggs did indeed suffer a torn ACL which will end his season.
“Unfortunately, he tore his ACL so he’ll be out for the year,” a somber Ryans began. “Really hurts. Hurts our team to hear that news. He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field but off the field, the energy, the leadership, the way he worked every single day.
“He brought a lot to our team and we have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up, pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him to have a speedy, successful recovery. It’s definitely a blow to us.”
Not only did Diggs’ most recent injury end his season, but his torn ACL could have also put an end to his aspirations of receiving the long-term contract he sought for. When Diggs was traded to the Texans from the Buffalo Bills, Houston restructured his contract.
In doing so, the Texans removed the final three years of Diggs’ contract and gave him a raise, up to $22.52 million in guaranteed money this season. As such, Diggs was set to be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, where he undoubtedly would have been one of the most sought-after wideouts in the market.
However, the injury all but ends his chances of getting the deal he wanted, either from the Texans or other teams. At 30 years old, Diggs was primed for a regression at some point and it appeared as if this season was the start of said regression.
Through eight games this season, Diggs recorded 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns. While he would have still recorded over 1,000 receiving yards this season, it would have been just barely over the threshold, if how he was being utilized prior to his injury is any indication.
Still, Diggs’ injury is felt throughout the organization, as star quarterback C.J. Stroud explained. Speaking to reporters after Ryans, the 23-year-old shared how the team felt, knowing Diggs is out for the rest of the season to recover from his ACL injury.
“Yeah man, it sucks,” Stroud bluntly began. “It’s not easy, it’s not something that I just can have a whole bunch of words for. I’m hoping and trying to just wrap my mind around what happened but it’s tough. You try to think positively about it but there’s not a lot of positive thoughts.
“And I just really feel bad for him. He’s worked extremely hard. I think he was having one of the best times he’s had on a team, at least that what he told us. So I just feel for him and praying for him, hoping he keeps his head up high and bounce back even stronger. So it just sucks.”
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