2 weeks after condemning Stefon Diggs for pink powder, Mike Vrabel changes tune on Patriots WR's progress

Stefon Diggs' tenure with the New England Patriots got off to a rocky start, but it seems that things are improving for the wide receiver. The offseason has been marred by controversy with the veteran missing the OTAs and a boat party video released that left head coach Mike Vrabel unimpressed.

Vrabel, however, changed his tone now that Diggs is with the team. The receiver reported to the OTAs in the previous week; while he's still limited by his recovery from a torn ACL, he has been participating in what he's allowed to.

And his head coach is happy, as he revealed in a press conference after Monday's practice:

“Good. He’s tried to figure out where everything is and what his role is, making sure that as we add those situations — the third down, the no-huddle, the red zone — that he’s staying up on it. He’s working hard in his rehab and when he can — there’s certain drills he can be out there and certain drills he won’t be. But I think he’s engaged, and I like his energy.

Mike Vrabel stresses the need for "good decisions on and off the field" after Stefon Diggs' boat video

Two weeks ago, a video of Diggs next to a pink powder at a boat party emerged at a time when most of the Patriots were assembled for OTAs. Mike Vrabel did not engage in public criticism and defused the situation, although he noted he spoke with the receiver.

"It’s something that we’re aware of. Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field. Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club.”

Josh McDaniels, the offensive coordinator, also celebrated when the receiver reported for the voluntary minicamp:

"He's here today and we're excited to have an opportunity to work with the guys that are out here and available to us."

Diggs signed a three-year contract worth $69 million with the franchise. The deal has an easy way out after the first season, in case his production does not return to his best days following his ACL injury.