Patriots activate Jahlani Tavai, downgrade K’Lavon Chaisson

The New England Patriots activated linebacker Jahlani Tavai off injured reserve on Saturday, and he is expected to make his season debut on Sunday night against the Buffalo Bills.

Tavai has been sidelined with a calf injury sustained in June. He briefly attempted to practice at the outset of training camp before being placed on IR and missing the first four games of the season.

Tavia, 29, was New England's leading tackler last season with a career-best 115 stops. He racked up 110 in 2023.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel indicated Friday that he was excited about getting Tavia back on the field after the latter was listed as questionable on the injury report.

"Versatility. I think he plays with good technique," Vrabel said, pointing out Tavia's strengths. "I think he can play multiple spots. I think he's an instinctive player. I think he sees the field. I think he understands different concepts. He's a veteran player who's played in multiple spots."

Tavia has 424 tackles, 5.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 95 NFL games (60 starts) with the Detroit Lions (2019-20) and Patriots.

New England also downgraded linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (knee) to out on Saturday. Chaisson was listed as questionable on Friday.

Chaisson has nine tackles and 2.5 sacks in four games this season. The 26-year-old is in his first season with the Patriots after playing four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-23) and last season with the Las Vegas Raiders.