Jahlani Tavai could make his New England Patriots debut in Week 3. The former Lions linebacker was signed to the active roster from New England’s practice squad a day before the Patriots face off against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Tavai infamously washed out of Detroit after two rough seasons. He was the Lions’ second-round pick (No. 44 overall) in the 2019 NFL draft out of Hawaii, but his lack of foot speed and questionable instincts against both the run and pass made Tavai more of a liability than a valuable starter.
The Lions parted ways with Tavai in August even after the third-year backer lost considerable weight and worked hard at making himself lither. The Patriots signed Tavai to the practice squad, and now he’s up on their active roster for Week 3.