Bills coach Sean McDermott 'very concerned' by star WR Stefon Diggs' minicamp absence
The Buffalo Bills, loaded with a talented roster looking to break through to the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance in nearly 30 years, had a key piece missing Tuesday from their mandatory minicamp practice.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott said wide receiver Stefon Diggs was not present, with the coach saying he was "very concerned" about it. The team later clarified that Diggs was at the team facility both Monday and Tuesday but left prior to Tuesday's practice. Diggs' agent, Adisa Bakari, told ESPN's Adam Schefter that his client would be on hand "for the entirety of the minicamp."
McDermott did not elaborate about the matter or indicate what the potential issue with Diggs' absence might be.
"When players miss — in particular a player of Stef's caliber — you'd love to have that player here," McDermott continued.
The Bills are holding their minicamp from Tuesday through Thursday before a summer break that will extend until next month's training camp. All other Bills players were in attendance, McDermott said.
"I know we're working on things internally," quarterback Josh Allen said at a post-practice news conference, saying the matters were "non-football related." "But Stef, he's my guy. I (expletive) love him. He's a brother of mine. This does not work, what we're doing here, without him. ... I've got his back no matter what."
Why is Bills receiver Stefon Diggs absent from mandatory minicamp?
It is unclear. The timing of the absence is curious given his recent contract extension with the Bills. In April 2022, Diggs signed a four-year extension worth up to $104 million that keeps him under contract with the team through 2027. Diggs is also one of the most heavily featured receivers in football, ranking near the top in receptions and targets over the last three seasons; during his time in Buffalo, Diggs has been targeted 484 times
On his Instagram account, at around 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Diggs reposted photos shared by trainer Myron Flowers that showed Diggs on a football field, apparently going through some conditioning.
Diggs showed his displeasure on the sideline during Buffalo's 27-10 divisional-round playoff loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals. During the game, Diggs had a verbal exchange with Allen. After the loss, Diggs left the stadium without speaking to reporters.
"There's some things that could have gone better last year and didn't," said Allen, who brushed aside the notion of a rift with Diggs. "I think as an organization we're maybe not communicating the right way with everything."
Who is Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs?
Diggs, 29, is set to enter his ninth season in the NFL and fourth in Buffalo. A three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, Diggs has been one of the most prolific receivers in football in the last half-decade and a favorite target of Allen. Since 2018, Diggs has eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in each season, compiling 6,340 yards and 44 touchdowns in that span.
In 2020, his first year in Buffalo, Diggs led the NFL in both receptions (127) and yards (1,535) and earned his All-Pro nod. Last season, Diggs ranked fourth in the NFL with 108 receptions, fifth in yards with 1,429 and tied for third in receiving scores with 11.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stefon Diggs' minicamp absence has Buffalo Bills 'very concerned'
