Stefon Diggs looks like old self in return to Minnesota for practices against the Vikings

Former Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs, now with the Patriots, practiced against his old team during joint sessions in Minnesota but declined to answer questions from reporters. He did interact with Vikings fans, notably flexing after making a deep catch from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Diggs, 31 and recovering from an ACL tear ten months prior, displayed the same shifty abilities he showed during his five seasons with the Vikings, where he averaged 924 yards annually and scored 32 touchdowns, including the iconic Minneapolis Miracle game-winner in the 2017 playoffs.

He emerged as a frequent target for Maye during the practices. The Patriots, who signed Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million contract after two trades, need him to be a leading producer. Diggs made several notable plays, including catching a touchdown in a one-on-one goal-line drill and yelling "Hold that! Hold that for me!" as he handed the ball to a spectator, and later spinning the ball after a red-zone touchdown catch from Maye in 7-on-7s.

Diggs also stood out on Wednesday with precise routes wearing distinctive neon green cleats, beating multiple Vikings cornerbacks. While appearing healthy in his recovery from the knee injury that ended his Texans season, he did not play in New England's preseason opener. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel attributed this to Diggs' heavy practice workload. It remains uncertain if Diggs will play against the Vikings in the upcoming preseason game.