The New England Patriots will have Jahlani Tavai back on hand against the Buffalo Bills.
The organization activated the veteran linebacker from injured reserve ahead of Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline for gameday roster moves.
Tavai, 29, saw his 21-day return window open as the week began. From there, the 6-foot-2, 255-pounder was a full participant for three consecutive practices and carried a questionable game status. He had been placed on injured reserve at the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline in August
after dealing with a calf issue since organized team activities.
With flexibility in mind, the Patriots maintained an open roster spot since the early stages of September. Tavai, who signed a three-year, $16 million contract extension one summer ago, now takes it after four games away.
His time in Foxborough began on the practice squad in 2021. It has gone on to span 64 appearances, 44 starts, 308 tackles, 3.5 sacks as well as three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He has handled 2,378 snaps on defense and 1,075 snaps on special teams along the way.
The Hawaii product originally entered the league with the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2019 draft at No. 43 overall.
“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,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday. “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 AFC East meeting at Highmark Stadium will feature no standard elevations from the practice squad.
The Patriots downgraded outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson prior to traveling to Orchard Park. Defensive tackle Milton Williams and cornerback Carlton Davis remain listed as questionable to face the unbeaten Bills.
Sunday’s kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
