New England Patriots catch a break after an injury scare to key defender during Monday's OTA session

The summer sessions for NFL teams are supposed to be an exciting period of build-up to the arrival of football. But, every now and then, things turn tense, like they did for the New England Patriots on Monday. Injuries are a part of the game, a universal truth of football. They're never fun — and some can completely throw a unit into chaos, especially those that happen before the season ever starts. 

That looked like it may have been the case on Monday for the Patriot's leading tackler in 2024, linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who endured a lower-body injury during the on-field session. Thankfully, the Patriots appear to have got a good bit of news as the dust settled. ESPN's Adam Schefter has disclosed a crucial update regarding the linebacker, reporting that Tavai suffered a calf injury that is expected to sideline him until training camp.

Tavai's Injury On Monday

The New England Patriots players got down on one knee during Monday's OTAs, as trainers attended to linebacker Jahlani Tavai. Ultimately, Tavai got up, but had to be helped off the field by Jabrill Peppers, who passed him to Mike Onwenu when he had to return to team drills.  

As he was walking off, it did not appear like Tavai was putting any pressure on his injury, so hearing that he could come back by training camp is very good news. 

Tavai led the Patriots with 109 tackles last season, but was caught up in his own drama towards the end of the season. In response to boos from the crowd along with 'fire Mayo' chants, Tavai sent a message to fans on the radio, saying they need to "know their place and just understand that it’s a work in progress." That caused fans to get very upset, and things weren't made any better when he backed it up to reporters shortly after. 

That put his status with the team into question, specifically knowing that Mike Vrabel's style of coaching is no nonsense. However, so far throughout OTAs, Tavai has been leading the charge alongside Robert Spillane at the inside linebacker position. 

Tavai's Outlook Moving Forward

Tavai is a bit of an old-school linebacker. He's a powerhouse player in the box who has steadily progressed after starting his career in Detroit with the Lions for two seasons. New England thought highly enough of Tavai last summer to extend him on a three-year deal with up to $21 million. He has some protection for 2025 in his contract thanks to a fully guaranteed $2.5 million salary this season. 

But the linebacker room is crowded amid the infusion of Spillane, a big money free agent, and Jack Gibbens, who was a productive player in Tennessee under Vrabel in 2023. The lost time for Tavai will do him no favors in staving off some competition from more athletically diverse players in the room. But good news is good news and the alternative for New England was to see Tavai endure a significant injury; this leaves room for a recovery in time for the pads in July and August before letting the chips fall where they may when it comes time to play games for real. 

Tavai should, at the very least, have a situational role awaiting for him this season. And, thanks to some good news on Tuesday, the Patriots can continue to try to refine exactly what that looks like and push him to seize the role come training camp.