Stefon Diggs looked like his mischievous, explosive self in a return to Minnesota, threading a handful of deep routes for Drake Maye as New England tuned up for a big preseason test. The veteran wideout, 31, flashed the same shiftiness that made him a star in Minnesota and supplied a reminder that he can still deliver highlight-reel moments for the Patriots even after the ACL rehab.

New England entrusted Diggs with a leading role in joint practices, signing him to a three-year, $63.5 million deal and counting on him to anchor the passing game behind Maye. A one-on-one goal-line score and a red-zone connection underscored Diggs’ still-large fantasy upside in an offense that will lean on him for volume and big plays.

Maye, eyeing Diggs as a veteran touchstone, spoke about building with Diggs and Garrett Bradbury as a core that can lift the room. Their early chemistry is the kind of spark fantasy managers chase—rapport in red-zone windows, and a target tree that could expand as Maye grows into his NFL rhythm.

Back in Minnesota, the scene wasn’t without bumps: Jefferson continued to nurse a hamstring, Nailor left hand and Metellus shoulder were noted as injuries, and the intensity spiked with some skirmishes. Still, the Vikings’ defensive looks, plus Diggs’ red-zone presence, kept the storyline firmly tied to dynasty-ready upside for Diggs and the Patriots’ evolving offense.

In short, Diggs’ Minnesota return from the Patriots’ side reinforced both his ceiling and his relevance in a still-forming NE attack, while the joint-practice theater offered a near-forecast glimpse of Diggs-heavy fantasy weeks ahead for savvy managers.