The New England Patriots saw a starter on the defensive side of the ball go down with an injury during Monday's session of OTAs, and the immediate reaction from those on the field was quite concerning.
Veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai had to be helped off the field by fellow defender Jabrill Peppers, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports. The former second-round pick did not try to put much pressure on his right leg after getting up off the turf.
Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai Suffers Injury Scare at Monday's OTA Practice
Losing Tavai for an extended period would be a tough pill for the Patriots to swallow, as he has been one of their most consistent performers at the linebacker position since moving into the starting lineup during the 2023 campaign. Over the last two seasons, Tavai has been responsible for 225 total tackles, three interceptions, two quarterback sacks, and two forced fumbles while starting in 32 of the 34 appearances he made.
While New England did sign veteran linebacker Robert Spillane this offseason, every healthy body will be needed for the Patriots' defense to improve the way Mike Vrabel wants in year one of his tenure as head coach.
You never want to lose a player to injury during this portion of the summer, as these OTAs are meant to be building blocks for the rest of the offseason program. Unfortunately, though, they are part of the game.
Now, Vrabel has to put his trust in New England's medical team to ensure that whatever is ailing Tavai is diagnosed accurately so that he can be placed on the appropriate rehab schedule as soon as physically possible.
We'll have to wait and see what Vrabel has to say about what exactly led to the linebacker going down with an injury and just how serious the early diagnosis of the injury is. That will surely be one of the first questions he is asked once he meets with the media following today's OTAs.