The New England Patriots will have to play without one of their key linebackers this weekend as Jahlani Tavai will miss the Bengals game due to personal reasons. Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed on Friday afternoon that Tavai, who has been the team's leading tackler last season, would not be available for Sunday's matchup in Cincinnati.
The only update from the coach was that Tavai's absence is "non-injury related," indicating that it is a personal matter that the team will not discuss further. This means that Patriots fans will have to watch without one of their top defenders as they take on the Bengals.
In related news, other Patriots players are being monitored for injuries heading into Sunday's game. Rhamondre Stevenson and Harold Landry Jr. were full participants in Friday's practice and are listed as questionable for the game. On the opposing side, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is also a question mark after being limited at practice on Friday.
Tavai's absence may be an opportunity for other Patriots defenders to step up and make plays. However, his loss will undoubtedly be felt by the team, particularly in key matchups against the Bengals' offense.
The only update from the coach was that Tavai's absence is "non-injury related," indicating that it is a personal matter that the team will not discuss further. This means that Patriots fans will have to watch without one of their top defenders as they take on the Bengals.
In related news, other Patriots players are being monitored for injuries heading into Sunday's game. Rhamondre Stevenson and Harold Landry Jr. were full participants in Friday's practice and are listed as questionable for the game. On the opposing side, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is also a question mark after being limited at practice on Friday.
Tavai's absence may be an opportunity for other Patriots defenders to step up and make plays. However, his loss will undoubtedly be felt by the team, particularly in key matchups against the Bengals' offense.
he's been doing so well last season and now this... i mean, I know teams gotta deal with personal stuff too 
but it's tough when your star player is out for the game 
. On a positive note tho, other players like Rhamondre Stevenson and Harold Landry Jr are gonna have to step up their game 
so fingers crossed they can fill that void! Joe Burrow on the Bengals side is also looking a bit sketchy 
hopefully he can get his practice in and be ready to go for Sunday 
gotta wonder if it's gonna affect Tavai's game next week tho... 
. So now other defenders have to step up, which might be cool for them but tough on the team, you know? They were doing so well last season with Tavai leading the way 
. I'm curious how they'll do without him... and what about Rhamondre Stevenson and Harold Landry Jr.? Are they gonna play or sit out too? Guess we'll just have to wait and see 
. Tavai was like the glue that held our defense together, and now he's out for personal reasons? That's not exactly reassuring 
. And of course, other key players are getting hurt too... Stevenson and Landry Jr. being questionable is just adding more stress to this already crazy week 
. I mean, can't we just have a break from injuries for once?! The Bengals game is gonna be a whole mess without Tavai, and I'm not sure who's gonna step up to fill the void 
so the pats are gonna lose that guy who was like a superhero on the field? i wonder what's going on with him, personal reasons huh, can we at least get a hint about it? 
and now they gotta rely on other ppl to fill his spot, hope they can step up & not mess it up 
what's the deal with those other injured players tho? Rhamondre Stevenson & Harold Landry Jr. being questionable too, i guess we'll just have to wait & see 
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is also dodgy, weird practice day for him 
. fingers crossed for the Pats! 
.
The Pats are gonna have to rely on their other defenders to step up, fingers crossed they can pull it off 
! Rhamondre and Harold better be ready, though... those injuries could make or break the game 
!
. Let's just focus on the game, shall we?