Patriots elevate LB Jahlani Tavai from practice squad to active roster

The Patriots have elevated linebacker Jahlani Tavai from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Saints.

Tavai, 24, was signed to the Patriots practice squad earlier this month. He originally entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick (43rd overall) of Detroit out of Hawaii in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-2, 246-pound linebacker, who was released by the Lions in August, played in 31 games with 16 starts over the last two seasons with Detroit and registered 113 total tackles, two sacks, one interception, two passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Tavai joins the linebacking crew with Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Matthew Judon, Josh Uche and Ronnie Perkins.

Uche was listed as “questionable” for Sunday’s game with the Saints due to back trouble. So Tavai provides some depth if needed there, and could also help on special teams.

In other Patriots news, center Jake Eldrenkamp was reportedly released from the practice squad.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3i6JxsT