ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – The Patriots will have some extra help on defense tonight in Buffalo.
Veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai is active and will make his 2025 NFL debut in the Patriots Sunday night matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The veteran linebacker was activated off the injured reserve on Saturday after missing the first four weeks of the regular season due to a lower-body injury.
Tavai practiced for the first time this past week, and Mike Vrabel said he was questionable for the team’s upcoming matchup.
“Worked really hard,” Vrabel said on 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. So, we’ll see how he responds (Saturday) morning, and then we’ll make a decision going forward.”
Tavai, 29, led the Patriots in tackles last season with 115 stops. That marked a career-high for the veteran. Tavai entered this season having back-to-back 100-tackle seasons for the Patriots.
Tavai returns and could factor into the Patriots linebacker rotation with Robert Spillane.
The Patriots have had some inconsistency with their linebacker spot next to Spillane, who leads the team in tackles. Christian Elliss has started the first four weeks, but has seen Jack Gibbens cut into his playing time over the last two games. Marte Mapu has also factored into the rotation.
The Patriots listed five players as inactive on Sunday night: edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (knee), defensive tackle Eric Gregory, receiver Efton Chism III, guard Caedan Wallace, and quarterback Tommy DeVito.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.