The Washington Commanders need any positive signs they can get right now. Fans got exactly that with wide receiver Stefon Diggs' return to practice.
And while this doesn't guarantee the four-time Pro Bowler will suit up on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, it shows he is getting closer.
The Commanders erred on the side of caution with Diggs last weekend. Hamstring injuries can flare up again if they aren't given enough time to rest, so the former Maryland star had to sit out and watch from the sidelines as Washington botched its chance to beat the New York Giants in overtime.
Stefon Diggs' practice return is a timely boost for the Commanders
That was no doubt frustrating for Diggs. But if the Commanders can get him back for prime time, that will be a major positive.
Diggs was spotted stretching and doing some light work during drills. He'll know his own body, and he'll know his limitations. The Commanders will give him every chance to feature, but they won't throw him back into the fire before he's ready.
Stefon Diggs: pic.twitter.com/3zkPusw38a
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 16, 2026
Even if Diggs is healthy enough to do something at Levi's Stadium with the national NFL audience watching, that is better than nothing.
The Commanders have another day of practice before his status is confirmed one way or another. If there is any concern whatsoever, he won't make the trip to San Francisco. But if Diggs has a shot, Washington could take it right up until game time Monday night.
And given how little the trio of Diggs, quarterback Jayden Daniels, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin have been on the field together this season, it only improves Washington's hopes of causing an upset.
It's still highly unlikely, but Diggs' presence in the lineup would get them closer.
Commanders need Stefon Diggs' flair for the big occasion against the 49ers
Diggs quickly established himself as an important member of the squad. He was desperate for this homecoming, and after giving the young wideouts a chance to shine in the summer, general manager Adam Peters made his move.
Any concerns about Diggs' behavior behind the scenes were quashed quickly. He remains highly dependable on the field, but he's also a strong leader and motivator at this stage of his playing career.
His presence was missed last weekend, though third-round rookie Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks did well in his absence. With the Niners posing far greater challenges than the Giants, the Commanders would benefit greatly from Diggs' composed playmaking.
Much will depend on how he comes through his return to practice. That could be the determining factor in this equation.
Diggs might be sore, but playing through the pain barrier is nothing new at this time of year. Everyone is hurt; the Commanders must decide whether the risk is worth the potential reward.
Regardless, Diggs's presence on the practice field is a positive step forward. Nothing is set in stone yet, but this is the clearest sign yet that the wideout could potentially play in San Francisco against the undefeated Niners.
And given Diggs' preference for the big occasion, there's no better time to return than on the prime-time stage.
Time will tell...
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