Patriots defensive starter suffers apparent leg injury at OTAs
It looks like the Patriots might be without a veteran linebacker.
On Wednesday, Jahlani Tavai went down after a non-contact 11-on-11 play. The 28-year-old was down for several minutes with team doctors and trainers focused on his left leg.
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At the time, the Patriots turned off the music to practice and players took a knee around Tavai. The looks on their faces showed the concern they had for their teammate.
After being helped to his feet, Tavai struggled to walk off the field. Jabrill Peppers helped the linebacker to the sideline and then Michael Onwenu took over and helped the trainers get Tavai to a different spot on the practice field.
Tavai left practice soon after that – and was taken off-site for further medical evaluation.
Tavai was one of the few holdovers from last year's Patriots defense. He's coming off one of the best seasons of his career. Last year, he started 16-of-17 games played and led the Patriots with 115 total tackles. Tavai also had five passes defended, two quarterback hits, a sack, and an interception.
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Under Mike Vrabel, the team has revamped the linebacker room in Foxborough with lighter and quicker players. Those new additions include Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens. The Patriots also have Christian Elliss, Monty Rice (who played for Vrabel in Tennessee), and undrafted free agents Elijah Ponder and Cam Riley.
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