Khyiris Tonga has missed the team’s last three games with a foot injury. But, the Patriots defensive lineman is on the path towards returning for this weekend’s divisional-round playoff game against Houston.
“I’m optimistic,” Tonga said Thursday. “Still meeting with trainers every day, but I feel good.”
Returning to the practice field on Wednesday in a limited capacity, Tonga was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday — another indication his return is near.
“It feels so good being around my teammates
again,” Tonga said. “It sucked to watch them ball out and not be able to be there, but so fun to be back in the groove and getting the hang of things again with them.”
The 29-year old was one of the Patriots biggest surprises to begin the year. Prior to his injury, Tonga had started a career-high eight games and set personnel bests in pressures (14) and run stops (13) as the nose tackle became a key figure along the interior of New England’s defensive line that paced the league’s best run defense.
His presence back up front this week would be meaningful against a Texans rushing attack that prefers to get downhill.
“I think it’s always fun, especially in the test as a d-lineman,” Tonga said. “I think it’ll be a fun matchup, we look forward to that matchup here.”
Tonga also took on a role on offense as the team’s fullback, something that he could resume on Sunday.
“If they need me to do it, I’ll do it,” he said with a smile.
