As Spillane is locked in as the leader of the linebacker group (and potentially the defense), his primary running mate remains up in the air. After holding the role early in camp, Tavai, who remains one of New England’s lone bigger bodies at the position, could slot right back in when healthy.

New England Patriots rookies and veterans will soon report back to Gillette Stadium as training camp is set to kick off. For the now Mike Vrabel-led Patriots, their first practice of the summer will begin on Wednesday,