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Patriots defense gains big addition for playoff matchup
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- Patriots defense gains big addition for playoff matchup
FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots ’ defense is getting back a big addition for their AFC divisional matchup with the Houston Texans .
After missing the last three games with a foot injury, Khyiris Tonga is active for Mike Vrabel’s team . The veteran defensive tackle started eight of 14 games, making 24 tackles with two quarterback hits and two pass breakups. Tonga also played fullback for the Patriots ’ offense this season.
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This marks the first time the Patriots have had all of their best defensive linemen in the same game since Nov. 13. That’s a big deal for the Patriots as the Texans are without starting right tackle Trent Brown , who is inactive with an ankle injury.
“I would say that hopefully he could pick up where he left off in his production, what he was able to do and how he helped us inside there as an interior, rotational player with Milt [ Milton Williams ] and Christian [Barmore],” Vrabel said. “Cory [Durden]’s helped us – but that’s what this league is about, it’s about taking advantage of opportunities, getting an opportunity.
“When Tonga wasn’t out there, that meant more snaps for Cory, and in this case, Leonard [Taylor III] and Eric [Gregory], and those guys all, I feel like, improved. Not only that, but took advantage of their opportunities. So, it’ll be good to add Tonga back into that.”
The Patriots’ defense played the second half without most of their best players in the front seven. Williams was out for five weeks due to a high ankle sprain. Linebacker Robert Spillane missed the final four games with an ankle injury. Edge rusher Harold Landry missed the last two weeks with a knee injury.
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Tonga suffered a foot injury in Week 16 during the Patriots’ win in Baltimore . He needed a walking boot in his recovery and missed the final two regular-season games and last weekend’s wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers .
Last weekend, against the Chargers, marked the first time that Williams, Spillane, and Landry played together since Week 11 against the Jets. Now, Tonga joins the group, and the Patriots play this pivotal matchup with a full slate on defense.
The Patriots inactives are as follows: tight end CJ Dippre , tackle Marcus Bryant , guard Caedan Wallace , defensive tackle Eric Gregory, edge Bradyn Swinson , cornerback Kobee Minor , and quarterback Tommy DeVito .
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