The Patriots announced that they have activated linebacker Jahlani Tavai from injured reserve. Tavai will make his season debut against the division-rival Bills on Sunday.
Tavai, who missed the first four games after suffering a calf injury over the summer, earned a prominent role in New England over the past couple of years. A former Lions second-round pick, Tavai found himself on waivers after two seasons. The Patriots scooped him up prior to the 2021 campaign in a move that has worked out for both sides.
Before last season began, the Patriots signed Tavai to a three-year, $15MM contract extension. He then started in 16 of 17 games, finished second among Patriots defenders in snaps, and piled up 100-plus tackles (a team-high 115) for the second straight year.
Tavai will be playing his first game under new head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff on Sunday. With Vrabel at the helm, newcomer Robert Spillane has taken over as the Patriots’ snaps leader at linebacker. Tavai could be an important cog alongside him, though, especially considering the struggles of fellow linebacker Christian Elliss. While Elliss has played 59 percent of defensive snaps this year, Pro Football Focus ranks his performance 127th out of 132 qualifiers at his position.