FOXBORO — Linebacker Jahlani Tavai stays on injured reserve, however the Patriots have additionally dominated him questionable to play Sunday towards the Payments.
Tavai has but to make his season debut. He suffered a calf damage in the course of the spring after which reinjured it early in coaching camp.
“Labored actually laborious,” head coach Mike Vrabel stated of Tavai. “Labored actually laborious to be in form, making an attempt to simulate soccer form and his return to play, making an attempt to maximise the time away from the precise follow, and dealing with our coaching workers, working with our power coaches and was able to go. And so, it was thrilling to see him get on the market and get follow, protection and the particular groups, and making an attempt to see the place he’s at. So, we’ll see how he responds within the morning, after which we’ll decide going ahead.”
The veteran linebacker may give the Patriots a lift at a place of want. Christian Elliss has began all 4 video games subsequent to Robert Spillane, however Jack Gibbens and Marte Mapu have slowly been consuming into his snaps in rotational roles.
Vrabel stated this week that he wouldn’t thoughts persevering with to rotate at that place subsequent to Spillane. Tavai may come off of injured reserve and take over the position, nevertheless.
As a much bigger physique, he’s not a basic match to play in Vrabel’s protection, which generally values smaller, extra athletic linebackers. Vrabel likes Tavai’s versatility, nevertheless.
“I believe he performs with good method,” Vrabel stated. “I believe he can play a number of spots. I believe he’s an instinctive participant. I believe he sees the sector. I believe he understands totally different ideas. He’s a veteran participant that’s performed in a number of spots, so there’s a versatility there. I like his fundamentals. He’s performed lots of various things in different places that he’s been and right here.”
Tavai has been with the Patriots since 2021. He performed his finest soccer whereas beginning subsequent to signal-calling linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. When Tavai took on the highest linebacker position, he struggled at occasions. Spillane fills the signal-calling position within the 2025 protection, so Tavai may very well be match taking part in subsequent to him.
