The New England Patriots have the Houston Texans coming into town for a divisional round matchup on Sunday. With a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line, the Pats must use everyone they can to secure the win, which is why they should consider giving a new addition, pass rusher and former Texan Darrell Taylor, some playing time.
Patriots reporter Evan Lazar reported on Friday that linebacker Harold Landry III (knee) was the only player not spotted at practice. Head coach Matt Vrabel then stated that Landry will be questionable, creating more questions around the edge rotation.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport stated there was a strong possibility that Taylor would be elevated to the active roster from the practice squad, and Landry's injury should open the door for him to get playing time that much more.
Darrell Taylor Should Get Some Reps for Patriots
Leading up to Friday, Landry was limited in practice. He could still suit up, but lately, he hasn't played that well for this unit. In the win over Los Angeles, Landry played in 26 defensive snaps (43%). In that contest, he finished with two tackles with just one hit and a hurry. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with a 57.3 overall grade and a 51.0 pass-rush grade.
That's why it's worth seeing Taylor get some snaps on the defensive front. He was limited to four games in 2025 due to an ankle injury, yet he has flashed during different stretches of his NFL career. During stops with the Seahawks, Bears, and Texans, Taylor has compiled 126 total tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, 42 quarterback hits, 24.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles.
He has been able to find successful in different locations, and the Patriots could be another. New England felt like they needed more depth along the defensive front, which is why they added Taylor in the first place. It was also earlier this week when the ex-Texan said he was willing to help the Patriots get an edge over his former team, via MassLive's Mark Daniels.
"I would say, yeah, there’s stuff I can help (the Pats) out with, but there’s only so much they let me know over (in Houston). I didn’t play like that anyway, but I made sure I paid attention... So, I feel like I can offer a lot for the Patriots to help us win this game.”Darrel Taylor, Patriots DE
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With Landry less than 100% and him playing just 43% of the snaps last week, there are reps for taking at EDGE. The Patriots should throw Taylor out there and see if he can provide a spark off the edge. It doesn't hurt that Taylor would be playing against his former team, giving him an extra jolt of energy.
When the playoffs come around, everyone needs to elevate their game and see if they can give the team a spark. Taylor could be another defensive lineman who gives the Pats that, and Landry's injury should really open the door for that possibility.