Former Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai reverts to Patriots’ practice squad after Week 3 elevation

Jahlani Tavai reverted to the New England Patriots’ practice squad after serving as a standard elevation against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to the NFL transaction wire.

The 24-year-old linebacker played eight snaps on defense and six snaps on special teams in the 28-13 loss at Gillette Stadium.

Selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft at No. 43 overall, Tavai appeared 31 games and made 16 starts for the organization before being waived at the league’s roster deadline in August.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Hawaii product recorded 116 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception over that span before signing to the Patriots’ practice squad at its formation in September. The move reunited Tavai with former Lions head coach Matt Patricia, now a senior football advisor for New England.

An opening on the scout team remains after the recent release of interior offensive lineman Jake Eldrenkamp.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit Foxborough for an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff next Sunday.