The New England Patriots have to be holding their breath for the outcome of this one.
They lost a surefire starter to injury during Monday’s practice, and it didn’t sound good.
Here’s how ESPN’s Mike Reiss described it:
“LB Jahlani Tavai left today’s practice after remaining down for an extended period of time during 11-on-11 drills,” Reiss wrote on X. “Teammates kneeled around him as everything stopped and the music was turned off. Tavai was eventually helped off by Jabrill Peppers. Limited pressure on right leg.”
Injuries can occasionally surprise in a good way, but this sounds like a tough one.
Tavai has been with the Patriots since 2021. He was initially a second-round pick by the Lions in 2019.
The linebacker has started 16 games each in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, Tavai had 115 tackles, including seven for a loss. He also had five passes defensed.
Tavai’s role may have been lined up to be slightly reduced this season after the addition of free agent linebacker Robert Spillane. But as this injury shows, depth can work either way, and an early loss of Tavai would thin things out in a way that Mike Vrabel wouldn’t want.
If Tavai is out, it’ll leave questions as to what New England’s plans for him in this new-look linebacker room were in the first place. His experience would only help a defense that wants to get better.
Patriots fans are now waiting and hoping for the best for Tavai.