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Fantasy Player Profile Jahlani Tavai

  • Jahlani Tavai
  • LB #48
  • Jahlani
    Tavai
  • AActive
  • Manager: FA
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vs. NYJ: #28 vs opposing LB - 24.61 FPA

News

  • Cleared to make 2025 debut

    Tavai (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Bills.

    Analysis: Tavai was activated from injured reserve Saturday, and the 2019 second-rounder has been cleared to make his 2025 debut in Sunday's AFC East tilt. Tavai tallied 100-plus tackles in each of the last two seasons but will likely work in a rotational role at inside linebacker with Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.

    Published: Sun, Oct 5 at 3:59pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Activated from IR

    The Patriots activated Tavai (calf) from injured reserve Saturday.

    Analysis: Tavai remains questionable for Sunday night's duel with the Bills, but this at least gives him a chance to play against the AFC East rival. Tavai logged a career-high 115 tackles (58 solo) across 17 regular-season games in 2024.

    Published: Sat, Oct 4 at 4:08pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Practice window opens

    Tavai (undisclosed) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Tavai missed the Patriots' first four games this season due to an undisclosed injury, but it now appears he's nearing a return. The 29-year-old now has 21 days to be added to New England's active roster before reverting to IR. Once healthy, Tavai will likely reclaim his spot as one of the Patriot's top inside linebackers after posting 115 total tackles and five passes defended across 17 contests in 2024.

    Published: Wed, Oct 1 at 10:23am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ends up on IR

    Tavai (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

    Analysis: Tavai made the 53-man roster but will be required to miss at least four games with an unspecified injury. The 2019 second-round pick played all 17 games with the Patriots last season and piled up 115 tackles (58 solo), five pass breakups, 1.0 sacks and an interception. Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss are expected to start at the two inside linebacker slots while Tavai recovers.

    Published: Wed, Aug 27 at 6:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Activated from PUP list

    The Patriots activated Tavai (calf) from the active/PUP list Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Tavai landed on the PUP list Saturday due to a calf injury that he sustained during OTAs in early June. He progressed enough in his recovery to pass his physical, and the 2019 second-rounder has been cleared to participate in practices and preseason games. Tavai has logged 100-plus tackles in two consecutive seasons and has played in every regular-season game since 2022.

    Published: Wed, Jul 23 at 5:32pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Starting camp on PUP list

    New England placed Tavai (calf) on the active/PUP list Saturday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Tavai hurt his calf during OTAs in early June and isn't yet ready to practice. He can be taken off the PUP list whenever he's medically cleared, at which point he'd be eligible to practice and participate in preseason contests.

    Published: Sat, Jul 19 at 4:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with calf injury

    Tavai suffered a calf injury during Monday's OTAs practice and is expected to be sidelined until training camp, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

    Analysis: Tavai had to be helped off the field Monday, so this actually sounds like promising news for the Patriots' leading tackler from last season. New England signed three-down linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $33 million deal during free agency and matched an offer sign on Christian Elliss, so Tavai's snap count could be reduced even if he's healthy for Week 1.

    Published: Tue, Jun 3 at 12:03pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Injured at OTAs on Monday

    Tavai left the field with an undisclosed injury at Patriots' OTAs on Monday, Mike Kadlick of CLNSMedia.com reports.

    Analysis: As a result, practice was stopped for a few minutes, and Tavai had to be helped off the field by teammates. Tavai appeared in all 17 regular-season contests last season, making 16 starts, and finished with a career-high 115 tackles (58 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and five pass breakups. New England signed veteran every-down linebacker Robert Spillane in the offseason, and it's unclear how the new coaching staff views Tavai's role after he played 82 percent of the defensive snaps in 2024.

    Published: Mon, Jun 2 at 11:14am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Team leader in tackles

    Tavai finished the 2024 regular season with 115 tackles (58 solo), a sack and an interception in 17 games.

    Analysis: In his fourth season with the Patriots, Tavai set a career high mark in tackles while leading the team in that category. The 28-year-old is under contract with New England through 2027 and is thus set to remain a key part of the defense in 2025 while maintaining his role as a starting linebacker for new head coach Mike Vrabel.

    Published: Mon, Jan 13 at 8:52am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs 10 tackles against Bolts

    Tavai finished Saturday's 40-7 loss to the Chargers with 10 tackles (five solo).

    Analysis: It was a rough game defensively for the Patriots on Saturday, who allowed the Chargers to score on eight of 10 offensive drives while maintaining possession of the ball for over 40 minutes. The Patriots logged 85 combined tackles compared to the Chargers' 49, and Tavai led New England with 10 tackles of his own, which is the third time he's reached that total this season. His effort in Week 17 puts him at 111 combined tackles through 16 regular-season games, which surpassed his career high from…read more

    Published: Mon, Dec 30 at 7:40am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Productive versus Cardinals

    Tavai recorded seven tackles (five solo) Sunday during New England's loss to the Cardinals.

    Analysis: Tavai finished tied for second on the team in tackles behind Kyle Dugger's 10 during Sunday's loss. Across 14 games played this season, Tavai has racked up 95 tackles (50 solo), with 1.0 sacks, and an interception and is now just 15 tackles away from matching his career-high total set back during last season.

    Published: Tue, Dec 17 at 5:57pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Helps create turnover Sunday

    Tavai recorded five tackles (one solo) and a pass defensed during Sunday's 25-24 loss versus the Colts.

    Analysis: Teammate Christian Elliss was credited with the interception, but it was Tavai who started the tip drill on an Anthony Richardson pass over the middle that led to a turnover in the first quarter in Week 13. Tavai is on pace for a career year going into the Patriots' bye in Week 14.

    Published: Mon, Dec 2 at 11:43am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leading tackler in loss

    Tavai recorded eight total tackles (three solo), including one tackle for loss, and defended one pass in Sunday's 34-15 loss to the Dolphins.

    Analysis: The 28-year-old tied Marcus Jones as the Patriots' leading tackler Sunday and has now accumulated a team-leading 83 total tackles through 12 games. Tavai is on pace for the best statistical season of his career in 2024, as he is likely to surpass his previous highs of 110 total tackles and five passes defended before the season concludes. Expect Tavai to remain one of the Patriots' top inside linebackers as the season progresses.

    Published: Mon, Nov 25 at 3:24pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Tallies seven stops in loss

    Tavai recorded seven total tackles (four solo) in Sunday's 28-22 loss to the Rams.

    Analysis: Tavai was the Patriots' second-leading tackler in Sunday's loss, trailing just Marcus Jones' nine-stop effort. The veteran inside linebacker leads New England's defense in total tackles (75) and is second in tackles for loss (six) through the team's first 10 games. Tavai should remain busy in a Week 12 matchup against the Dolphins.

    Published: Mon, Nov 18 at 1:42pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Notches first sack of 2024

    Tavai posted nine tackles (seven solo), including 1.0 sacks, and a pass breakup in Sunday's 19-3 win over the Bears.

    Analysis: The Patriots sacked Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams a whopping nine times, and Tavai got in on the action with his first sack of the season. The 2019 second-round pick has averaged 6.8 tackles per game this season, and he'll certainly continue to have viability as he approaches a second straight 100-tackle campaign.

    Published: Mon, Nov 11 at 6:42pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Big game in defeat

    Tavai recorded 11 tackles (six solo), including a tackle for a loss, and an interception in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Titans.

    Analysis: The inside linebacker also played on more than 80.0 percent of the defensive snaps for the eighth time in nine games this season. Tavai has 59 tackles (30 solo), a pass defensed and an interception on the season.

    Published: Mon, Nov 4 at 5:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ready to go for Week 9

    Tavai (back) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's matchup with the Titans.

    Analysis: Tavai was limited at practice to open the week due to a back injury, but the linebacker was able to log a full practice Friday, dispelling any chance that he'd be unavailable for Week 9. The 28-year-old has compiled 48 total tackles (24 solo) and a pass defensed over eight games in 2024.

    Published: Fri, Nov 1 at 4:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Nursing back injury

    Tavai (back) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

    Analysis: Tavai may have picked up a back injury during the Patriots' Week 8 win over the Jets, during which he logged six tackles (four solo). He'll have two more chances to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. Through the first eight games of the regular season, Tavai has logged 48 tackles (24 soloo) and one pass breakup.

    Published: Wed, Oct 30 at 5:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Solid versus Texans

    Tavai produced eight tackles (three solo) in the 41-21 loss to the Texans in Week 6.

    Analysis: Tavai was one of two New England defenders to tally eight tackles. He was on the field for 52 defensive snaps (84 percent) and 14 on special teams (47 percent). The linebacker will look to build on his solid performance in Week 7 at Jacksonville.

    Published: Mon, Oct 14 at 4:22pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Tallies nine tackles vs. Gang Green

    Tavai finished Thursday's 24-3 loss to the Jets with nine tackles (five solo).

    Analysis: Tavai was the second-leading tackler for New England on Thursday behind Raekwon McMillan (10). Tavai joined strong safety Kyle Dugger as the only two Patriots players to play every single defensive snap in the loss. Tavai has seen a heavy workload on defense over the last two weeks, and through the first three games of the regular season he has accrued 18 tackles (11 solo) and one pass defended.

    Published: Fri, Sep 20 at 6:47pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Agrees to three-year extension

    Tavai and the Patriots agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year extension with a $15 million base value, and that can reach $21 million with incentives, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

    Analysis: Tavai has entrenched himself as a key member of New England's starting linebacker corps, playing a hybrid ILB/OLB role that saw him record 110 tackles, two interceptions and a sack in 17 games last season. He now joins DT Christian Barmore, RB Rhamondre Stevenson and C David Andrews as players who were entering the final year of their contracts but have re-signed under new coach Jerod Mayo. Tavai is well positioned to repeat as a worthwhile fantasy option in IDP formats in new defensive…read more

    Published: Tue, Jul 2 at 9:40am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs 110 tackles during 2023 season

    Tavai recorded 110 tackles, two interceptions and a sack in 17 games with the Patriots during the 2023 regular season.

    Analysis: Per Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site, Tavai finished the campaign as Pro Football Focus' fourth-ranked linebacker with an 86.5 grade, while taking a step forward as a hybrid ILB/OLB for the team. It's a role that the 2019 second-rounder is slated to reprise, with Tavai signed with New England through the 2024 season.

    Published: Sun, Jan 14 at 8:59am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Will play Sunday

    Tavai (teeth) is active Sunday against the Jets.

    Analysis: Tavai has been limited in practice this week while dealing with a mouth-related injury. However, the veteran linebacker has recovered enough to take the field Sunday, which is good news for New England's linebacker corps.

    Published: Sun, Jan 7 at 8:53am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Could play Week 18

    Tavai (teeth) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets.

    Analysis: The Patriots' leading tackler has been limited in practice throughout the week due to a tooth issue, but he still has a shot at suiting up Sunday. Mack Wilson would likely start alongside Ja'Whaun Bentley at inside linebacker if Tavai is unable to play in Week 18.

    Published: Fri, Jan 5 at 1:58pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Limited practice Thursday

    Tavai (teeth) was a limited participant at the Patriots' practice Thursday.

    Analysis: Tavai appears to be dealing with a mouth injury to open the week, logging limited sessions both Wednesday and Thursday. It's unclear if he's in danger of missing Sunday's contest against the Jets, but if he's forced to sit, Mack Wilson could draw a start at inside linebacker.

    Published: Thu, Jan 4 at 7:22pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records 10 tackles

    Tavai finished with 10 tackles (four solo), including a tackle for a loss, in the Patriots' 27-21 defeat to the Bills on Sunday.

    Analysis: The fifth-year linebacker, who signed a two-year extension with New England in 2022, continued his career-best season with another strong performance. Tavai has set career highs in tackles (104), solo tackles (59), passes defensed (five) and interceptions (two).

    Published: Mon, Jan 1 at 1:45pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Will play versus Denver

    Tavai (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

    Analysis: Tavai was a limited participant in all three practice sessions this week and is good to go for Sunday's game. The 2019 second-round pick has a career-high 90 tackles (51 solo), including 1.0 sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble over 14 games this season.

    Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 4:02pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Chance to play Week 16

    Tavai (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday night's game against the Broncos.

    Analysis: The 27-year-old seems to have suffered an ankle injury at some point within the last week, and after a limited week of practice, he's got a chance to play in Week 16. Tavai's availability will be something to look out for Sunday, as Ja'Whaun Bentley (knee) is also listed as questionable, meaning New England could be without both of their top inside linebackers. If Tavai is unable to suit up in Week 16, Mack Wilson would likely see increased snaps for the Patriots' defense.

    Published: Fri, Dec 22 at 3:31pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Snatches interception in loss

    Tavai recorded three tackles (two solo), and also intercepted a pass and deflected another in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Chiefs.

    Analysis: Tavai was the lucky recipient of a dropped pass by Kadarius Toney that popped up in the air, resulting in his second interception of the year. The linebacker is now up to 90 tackles, including a sack, and also has two interceptions and a forced fumble over 14 games this season.

    Published: Tue, Dec 19 at 6:41pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Monster performance versus Steelers

    Tavai recorded 15 tackles (eight solo) in Thursday's 21-18 win over the Steelers.

    Analysis: Tavai was all over the field in Week 14, securing a season-high 15 takedowns in the road victory. The linebacker has now compiled 23 tackles over the last two games, and he'll look to keep it going against the Chiefs in Week 15.

    Published: Fri, Dec 8 at 5:42pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Eight tackles in defeat

    Tavai recorded eight tackles (four solo) in Sunday's 6-0 loss to the Chargers.

    Analysis: Tavai was able to match his season-high eight takedowns in what was a defensive battle in Week 13. The linebacker has now compiled a career-high 72 tackles, including a sack, while forcing a fumble, intercepting a pass and deflecting four others through 12 contests in 2023.

    Published: Mon, Dec 4 at 6:24pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Season-high snap count in loss

    Tavai had seven tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 31-17 loss to the Dolphins.

    Analysis: Tavai played a season-high 68 defensive snaps Sunday while also playing on 96 percent of special-teams snaps. He saw more action on defense with Ja'Whaun Bentley (hamstring) exiting the game in the second half. Tavai and Mack Wilson -- who also had seven tackles in the game -- will see more defensive snaps in Week 9 against the Commanders if Bentley is unable to play.

    Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 3:17pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Picks off pass in loss to Las Vegas

    Tavai recorded seven tackles (six solo), one interception and one pass breakup in the Patriots' Week 6 loss to the Raiders Sunday.

    Analysis: The 2019 second-round pick has started all six games to open the season, and his interception Sunday was Tavai's first since his 2019 rookie season with the Lions. On the year, Tavai has 37 tackles (24 solo), two pass breakups, one sack and the one interception.

    Published: Tue, Oct 17 at 12:18pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Productive in blowout loss

    Tavai recorded eight total tackles (six solo) during the Patriots' 34-0 loss to the Saints this Sunday.

    Analysis: Tavai has been solid for a struggling New England defense that has given up 72 points over the past two weeks. The 27-year-old inside linebacker has tallied 30 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one pass deflection through the team's first five games. Expect Tavai to continue being one of the leading tacklers on the Patriots' defense week in and week out.

    Published: Tue, Oct 10 at 1:03pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leads team in tackles

    Tavai registered seven tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Dolphins.

    Analysis: Tavai led the Patriots in tackles Sunday night and now has 11 total tackles on the season. Through two games, the 26-year-old has been productive on both defense and as a special teamer playing 46 snaps on defense and 19 on special teams against the Dolphins.

    Published: Tue, Sep 19 at 7:31pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Tallies seven total tackles Week 15

    Tavai recorded four tackles (three solo) on defense and three more on special teams during the Patriots' Week 15 loss to Las Vegas.

    Analysis: Tavai logged 35 snaps on defense and another 23 on special teams for New England on Sunday. He has recorded 13 total stops over his past two contests but is playing only about half of the team's defensive snaps, taking him off the radar in most IDP leagues.

    Published: Tue, Dec 20 at 8:21pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets two-year extension

    The Patriots signed Tavai to a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

    Analysis: Tavai has emerged as a core special-teamer for New England this season, and he's coming off seven straight starts on defense. In addition to his 210 snaps on special teams, Tavai has racked up 38 tackles (18 solo) and 1.5 sacks through 11 appearances. He now remains signed with the Patriots through 2024.

    Published: Tue, Nov 29 at 7:39am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Returns to practice Monday

    Tavai (leg) returned to practice Monday, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

    Analysis: Tavai suffered a right leg injury during Thursday's practice, but he appears to have already moved past the issue and has resumed practicing. After signing with the Patriots last October, Tavai played at least 10 special-teams snaps in 12 of his 13 appearances with New England, but he served a minor defensive role with just 56 defensive snaps during that span.

    Published: Mon, Aug 8 at 1:14pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Goes down with injury

    Tavai suffered what appears to be a lower right leg injury during the Patriots' practice Thursday, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.

    Analysis: Tavai was down on New England's practice field for a few minutes before having to be helped to the sidelines Thursday, but the exact severity of his injury is still unclear. The 25-year-old was also spotted wearing a compression sleeve on his right leg and walking with a noticeable limp while observing the team's practice Friday, according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. After signing with the Patriots last October, Tavai played at least 10 special-teams snaps in 12 of 13 games last…read more

    Published: Fri, Aug 5 at 5:27pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Time up in Detroit

    The Lions waived Tavai on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

    Analysis: Detroit attempted to trade Tavai before cutting him but could not finalize a deal. A 2019 second-round pick, Tavai has struggled in pass coverage across two seasons in Detroit, and an underwhelming preseason appears to have represented his final chance to stick with the team. Tavai could get another opportunity in the league, but his chances of attaining IDP fantasy relevance are looking increasingly slim.

    Published: Tue, Aug 31 at 7:48am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Struggles continue

    After continuing to struggle in pass coverage, Tavai is not a lock to make the roster, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: There was hope the 2019 second-round pick might improve in pass coverage under a new coaching staff after dropping weight this offseason, but that doesn't seem to be the case if last weekend's preseason opener means anything. It didn't help that fourth-round rookie Derrick Barnes was impressive in limited action. In any case, with Alex Anzalone locked into the starting job at inside linebacker next to Jamie Collins, Tavai might not get anywhere close to the 600-plus defensive snaps he's handled…read more

    Published: Mon, Aug 16 at 10:57am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Loses significant weight

    Tavai lost significant weight this offseason at the request of the Lions' new coaching staff, John Maakaron of Sports Illustrated reports.

    Analysis: Tavai reported to offseason practices 17 pounds lighter than his playing weight from 2020. This should help alleviate some of the strugglesin pass coverage he's experienced since being drafted in the second round back in 2019. With a solid training camp, Tavai could ultimately carve out a starting inside linebacker role next to Jamie Collins.

    Published: Fri, Jun 11 at 12:49pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Exposed in expanded role

    Tavai produced 58 tackles and two forced fumbles over 16 games in 2020.

    Analysis: Despite staying relatively healthy most of the year, Tavai massively failed to take advantage of the opportunity left behind by Jarrad Davis, a 2018 first-round pick whose passing-game limitations rendered him a role player in 2020. Tavai, a 2019 second-rounder (but arguable reach), has all but certainly proved to be even less effective in pass coverage while given every chance to assert himself as Detroit's middle linebacker of the future this season. While there's a chance that the sinking…read more

    Published: Thu, Jan 7 at 4:19pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Set for sophomore season

    Tavai (shoulder) could push Jarrad Davis for reps at middle linebacker in training camp, Tim Twentyman of the Lions official site reports.

    Analysis: Tavai had a solid rookie campaign with 58 total tackles, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble, though he missed the season finale after picking up a shoulder injury. The Lions declined Davis' fifth-year option for 2021 this spring, so Tavai could make a push for the starting job with a strong showing in camp.

    Published: Tue, Jun 30 at 8:22pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Heading to injured reserve

    Tavai (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Monday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

    Analysis: Tavai sustained the injury during Sunday's loss to the Broncos and will miss the season finale. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the injury is to the same side as the injury that limited the 23-year-old during his senior season at Hawaii.

    Published: Mon, Dec 23 at 11:43am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Done for day

    Tavai (shoulder) won't return to Sunday's game against the Broncos.

    Analysis: The rookie second-rounder finishes the contest with three solo tackles. It's unsettled whether this injury could keep him out of the season finale against the Packers, but we'll have a better grasp on his status when practices start Wednesday.

    Published: Sun, Dec 22 at 4:11pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Picks up injury

    Tavai (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Broncos.

    Analysis: The specifics surrounding the injury remain unclear, but he was forced to leave the game in the second quarter. As long as Tavai is out, Jason Cabinda would be in line to see an uptick in snaps at the middle linebacker position.

    Published: Sun, Dec 22 at 2:09pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Slated to start

    Tavai is expected to start at middle linebacker in Jarrad Davis' (ankle/knee) place, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

    Analysis: Davis is on injured reserve, so this is a chance for Tavai -- a rookie second-round pick -- to prove what he can do in a starting role. Tavai has already performed well this season, recording 50 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble over 13 games.

    Published: Sun, Dec 15 at 9:08am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets second sack of season

    Tavai recorded three solo tackles and one sack in Sunday's loss to the Bears.

    Analysis: The rookie second-rounder did not start but still received a sizable 38 defensive snaps, third to only Jarrad Davis (44) and Christian Jones (41). Tavai's numbers were not eye-popping against the Bears, but it is clear by his snap count that he is becoming more involved in Detroit's defensive scheme. The Lions' linebackers will face a major test in Week 11 against the Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott.

    Published: Tue, Nov 12 at 5:26pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • New career high in tackles

    Tavai put up 10 tackles and one pass breakup during Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Raiders.

    Analysis: Tavai (48 defensive snaps) saw a lot of action as the fourth linebacker behind Jarrad Davis (65), Devon Kennard (63) and Christian Jones (54). Especially after trading strong safety Quandre Diggs, the Lions should have plenty of snaps to give Tavai down the stretch, and his role could expand if injuries strike any of the players above him on the depth chart.

    Published: Mon, Nov 4 at 2:14pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com
2025 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1LV,
L 13-20
-----0.00
2@MIA,
W 33-27
-----0.00
3PIT,
L 14-21
-----0.00
4CAR,
W 42-13
-----0.00
5@BUF,
W 23-20
1----1.50
6@NO,
W 25-19
-----1.00
7@TEN,
W 31-13
3----3.50
8CLE,
W 32-13
3----4.00
9ATL,
W 24-23
1----1.00
10@TB,
W 28-23
-----1.00
11NYJ,
Thu 5:15 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
12@CIN,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
13NYG,
Mon 5:15 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
14Bye-----0.00
15BUF,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
16@BAL,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
17@NYJ,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
18MIA,
TBDGet Tickets
-----0.00
NFL Fantasy

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Jahlani Tavai
LB #48 NE | Manager: FA
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