Harris questionable, Mason out
Seven other players up in air for Sunday’s game
Patriots running back Damien Harris is one of eight players officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Dallas, while starting right guard Shaq Mason has been downgraded to out.
Harris was limited in practices Thursday and Friday, after suffering a ribs injury during last weekend’s win at Houston. If he cannot start, fourth-round rookie Rhamondre Stevenson, J.J. Taylor and Brandon Bolden will split carries. Taylor is also listed as questionable with a groin injury. Harris leads the Patriots with 230 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The Pats have primarily used Bolden as a third-down back since James White was lost to a season-ending hip injury. Taylor and Stevenson have both spent time in Bill Belichick’s doghouse for fumbling and missed assignments and pass protection.
If Harris cannot play, the Pats’ rushing problems could be compounded by more injuries along the offensive line.
Backup offensive tackle Justin Herron, who replaced left tackle Isaiah Wynn last week, is also questionable with an abdomen injury that forced him to miss practice Thursday and be limited Friday. If Herron is unavailable, fellow backup Yodny Cajuste is a candidate to start at left tackle, after making his NFL debut at right tackle last weekend in Houston. Wynn remains out on COVID-19 reserve.
Starting Cajuste at left tackle would be part of a worst-case scenario that includes Michael Onwenu being ruled a healthy scratch pregame. The Patriots started Ted Karras and James Ferentz at both guards last week. If Cajuste starts at left tackle, it’s expected the Pats will field either backup Yasir Durant or practice-squad rookie Will Sherman on the right side. Durant started at right tackle in Week 2.
It’s also possible that Onwenu, if healthy, could play right tackle, where he started 11 games last year. Though he’s practiced at left guard virtually all season. If Onwenu is available Sunday, Karras should start at right guard, with some combination of Herron, Cajuste and Durant playing left and right tackle.
Overall, Belichick said the team is taking it “day to day” with the offensive line.
In Dallas, cornerback Trevon Diggs practiced for the first time Friday, while Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith was forced to sit with a neck injury. Diggs will be a game-time decision, according to the team.
Belichick explains Tavai promotion
Six weeks ago, it was no surprise when Patriots signed former Lions secondround pick Jahlani Tavai to their practice squad.
Tavai, a 6-foot-2, 250pound linebacker, was viewed as a perfect fit for the defense then Detroit coach Matt Patricia was trying to implement when the team drafted him in 2019. The problem was after a strong rookie campaign, Tavai struggled mightily in 2020, and Patricia was fired. The Lions underwent a full regime change, and the young linebacker was later shown the door.
Fast forward, and Tavai made news this week. Despite good health at linebacker, the Patriots signed him to their active roster on Wednesday, filling a spot left behind by offensive tackle Trent Brown, who went on injured reserve last weekend.
Belichick explained the move on Friday, noting the team has already elevated him twice from the practice squad on game days.
“Jahlani has gained experience. He’s a player that’s played, just relative to coming in here at the end of August, and been able to transfer some of the terminology and fundamentals that we used relative to what he did in Detroit,” Belichick said. “He was active, but Tavai’s showed up every week and continues to make progress in the overall understanding of what we’re doing and handles different roles to provide versatility for our team.”
Tavai explained his connection with Patricia, now back in New England, has helped him transition.
“He’s helped me a ton, especially learning this defense. When he gave me the call the day I got waived by the Lions, I was just excited,” Tavai said Friday. “I just knew this was the place to call home.”
Tavai has taken nine defensive snaps this season. It’s unknown whether he will be active for Sunday’s game against Dallas.
Cajuste breaks down debut
In his first NFL action, third-year offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste allowed one hit and a single hurry and mauled Texans defenders as a run blocker.
All in all, Cajuste made a successful debut despite transitioning from playing out of position relative to most of his game experience in college and practice snaps in the pros.
Speaking with reporters Friday, Cajuste downplayed the transition of switching from left to right tackle.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been challenging because you know, we have great coaches here and they’ve done a good job with making sure guys are flexible,” he said. “We preach over here, the more you can do and I’ve just been trying to pay attention to details and keep working. You know, it’s not perfect, I still got to work, you still got to get better on both sides, so I was thinking like that.”
Cajuste, who was selected in the third round of the 2019 draft, admitted his newfound versatility and preparedness has helped him stick on the defense, especially with the offensive line dealing with so many injuries.
“Most definitely,” he said. “You know, guys got to stay ready, so they won’t to have to get ready. That’s just the mentality you got to have.”