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Khyiris Tonga injury update: Defensive tackle optimistic about playing vs. Texans
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- Khyiris Tonga injury update: Defensive tackle optimistic about playing vs. Texans
FOXBOROUGH – Khyiris Tonga hated sitting out.
The Patriots ’ veteran was on a roll this season as the team’s run-stopping defensive tackle and fullback. That’s one reason why he was devastated after he suffered a foot injury in Week 16.
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Over the last three weeks, Tonga said it was difficult to watch his defense play without him. That’s why he was elated to return to practice this week ahead of the Patriots’ AFC divisional matchup with the Houston Texans .
As of Wednesday, Tonga believes he’ll be ready to play on Sunday.
“I’m optimistic,” Tonga said. “Still meeting with trainers every day, but I feel good.”
This season, the 29-year-old was one of the bigger surprises on defense for the Patriots . Tonga started eight of 14 games played. He was a big part of the Patriots having one of the best run defenses in the NFL.
Tonga had 24 tackles, two for loss, with two quarterback hits and two pass breakups. When he played next to fellow defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore , it gave the Patriots a formidable defensive line for opposing run games.
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Tonga also helped on offense as the team’s fullback.
After the injury, Tonga needed a walking boot to get around and said it was painful to watch the Patriots play.
“Oh my gosh, it’s the worst,” Tonga said. “It sucks, but I’m glad to be back.”
The veteran missed the last three weeks of practice. He returned for the first time on Wednesday in a limited capacity.
“It feels so good being around my teammates, again,” Tonga said. “It sucked to watch them ball out and not be able to be there. It’s so fun to be back in the groove.”
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