The Patriots are getting a defensive boost for their Week 5 matchup with the Bills.
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai has been activated off injured reserve. Tavai was placed on injured reserve prior to the season with a calf injury. He was a full participant in practice all week.
The Patriots previously had an open spot on their 53-man roster, so no corresponding roster moves were necessary.
“Worked really hard,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday. “Worked really hard to be in shape, trying to simulate football shape and his return to play, trying to maximize the time away from the actual practice, and working with our training staff, working with our strength coaches and was ready to go. And so, it was exciting to see him get out there and get practice, defense and the special teams, and trying to see where he’s at.”
The plan was to see where Tavai was at physically on Saturday morning. It seems he passed the Patriots’ tests to be activated.
Tavai could see playing time on special teams and defense. The Patriots didn’t elevate anyone from the practice squad this week. They had elevated a veteran linebacker to provide special teams help in the first four weeks of the season.
Christian Elliss has started the first four weeks of the season next to Robert Spillane at linebacker, but Jack Gibbens and Marte Mapu have rotated into Elliss’ spot over the last two weeks. Tavai could enter that mix, as well, if he’s not immediately elevated into a starting role.
Tavai, a starter with the Patriots over the last three seasons, is far more experienced on defense than Elliss, Gibbens and Mapu.
“Versatility,” Vrabel said when asked what appeared to the new regime about retaining Tavai. “I think he plays with good technique. I think he can play multiple spots. I think he’s an instinctive player. I think he sees the field. I think he understands different concepts. He’s a veteran player that’s played in multiple spots, so there’s a versatility there. I like his fundamentals. He’s done a lot of different things in other places that he’s been and here.”
Tavai has primarily played inside linebacker, but he does have experience on the edge, as well. Listed at 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, he’s significantly bigger than the rest of the Patriots’ linebackers.
While the Patriots are getting Tavai back off of injured reserve, outside linebacker K’Lavin Chaisson has been downgraded to out with a knee injury. Expect Keion White and Anfernee Jennings to take over most of his snaps. Tavai and Milton Williams also could help fill his role on the edge.