The Patriots have placed LB Jahlani Tavai on IR to open the season, with the designation to return. Tavai suffered a calf injury back in spring minicamp that recurred after just four days of training camp. His IR placement means he'll miss at least the first four games. We'll see beyond that.
Tavai carries cap hits north of $5 million for this season and the next two, from an extension he signed ahead of the 2024 campaign. That salary makes him likely to reclaim a lineup spot when healthy. But we'll have to see when the calf allows that.
Houston LB Christian Harris endured a similar start to last season, missing loads of offseason and camp time with a recurrent calf issue that ultimately limited him to just three games. That, of course, has no connection with Tavai's situation. But it can stand at least as a warning of the downside risk.
Christian Elliss looks likely to fill in primarily for Tavai. Other candidates for playing time include Jack Gibbens and S/LB hybrid Marte Mapu.
Tavai played 82% of the snaps last year, but that rate declined over the season's final quarter. We had him projected for 70% playing time this year, with the big-money addition of LB Robert Spillane installing a new corps leader.
Neither Tavai nor Elliss looks like a good bet for much IDP impact in most leagues.
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