"The under-the-radar free agency signing has become an integral part of the Patriots' defensive efforts this season, and has even been used on offense as an extra lineman. Tonga has been a massive boost to their production on both sides of the ball, but it's looking increasingly likely that he won't be suited up this weekend. As reported by ESPN's Mike Reiss, Tonga was not present for Thursday's practice, and he was absent from Wednesday's, too."
"Given how many players deal with injuries late in the season, it was expected that the Patriots would be down some of their key starters if they made it to the playoffs. Now that they're about to play in the first round as the No. 2 seed, it's looking more like they'll be without Tonga, and they'll have to figure out how to acclimate without him."
Multiple Patriots players have returned from injury, including linebacker Robert Spillane, left tackle Will Campbell, and defensive tackle Milton Williams, but DT Khyiris Tonga missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a foot issue. Tonga has contributed significantly on defense and occasionally as an extra offensive lineman. His absence for Sunday's playoff game appears likely and would be a major loss to both lines. The team has used offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. as a replacement option, but he also missed Thursday practice. The Patriots will need a game plan to compensate for Tonga's probable unavailability against a strong Chargers defensive line.
Read at Musket Fire
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