Sione Takitaki Injury News & Updates

The Patriots released Takitaki on Wednesday.

Takitaki filled a rotational role for New England in 2024, in which he tallied 21 tackles (seven solo) across 11 regular-season appearances. His release frees up roughly $2.8 million against the cap for the Patriots. The 29-year-old figures to find another chance to contribute in at least a depth role as a free agent.

Takitaki finished the 2024 regular season with 21 tackles (seven solo) across 11 games.

Takitaki spent the first five years of his NFL career with the Browns, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The LSU product opted to take his talents to New England, signing a two-year, $6.5 million in March of 2024. However, Takitaki underwent a knee scope procedure during the offseason, which caused the Patriots to place him on the PUP list at the start of the regular season. Takitaki missed six of the first seven games of the season, and when he did play he served in a rotational role at inside linebacker behind Christian Elliss. Takitaki could have a bigger role with the Patriots' first-team defense in 2025 if Elliss opts to sign elsewhere in free agency.

Takitaki (hamstring) is active for Sunday's Week 11 contest against the Rams.

Takitaki began the practice week with a DNP due to a hamstring issue, but he was able to follow that with a pair of limited practices and is set to play against the Rams. The linebacker logged a season-high 47 percent of New England's defensive snaps last Sunday against Chicago, but he'll likely see less work in Week 11 with Christian Elliss back in action.

Takitaki (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Takitaki suffered a hamstring injury in New England's Week 10 win over Chicago. He was a DNP on Wednesday, but he was able to finish the week with consecutive limited practices, which has given him a chance to play Sunday. If Takitaki and Christian Elliss (abdomen) were unable to suit up Sunday, Curtis Jacobs would likely start at inside linebacker alongside Jahlani Tavai.

Takitaki (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Chicago.

Takitaki injured his hamstring in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game. If he's unable to return, Joe Giles-Harris should see more snaps at inside linebacker alongside Jahlani Tavai.

Takitaki (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Takitaki has missed six of the Patriots' seven regular-season games due to a knee injury, but he'll return to action for Sunday's AFC East clash. Takitaki will provide rotational depth at inside linebacker behind starters Christian Elliss and Jahlani Tavai.

Takitaki (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Takitaki was on the reserve/PUP list during the Patriots' first five games of the regular season while in the final stages of his recovery from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. He returned for Week 6 against the Texans and logged one tackle across 22 snaps (nine on defense, 13 on special teams), but he aggravated his knee injury in the process and was unable to play against the Jaguars in Week 7. Takitaki was a limited participant in all three practices this week, and his final status for Sunday's AFC East showdown will not likely be known before the inactive lists are announced 90 minutes before the 1:00 pm E.T. kickoff.

Takitaki (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Takitaki missed the Patriots' first five games of the season while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery before he was activated from the PUP list ahead of last week's loss to the Texans. He played just 22 snaps against Houston and may have suffered a setback with the knee, as he was a limited participant in practice throughout this week before being listed as questionable heading into Sunday.

Takitaki (knee) was activated from the PUP list to the Patriots' active roster Saturday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Takitaki underwent a knee scope procedure during the offseason and had been on the PUP list since the start of training camp. He practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week, which will at least give him a chance to be active Sunday against the Texans.

Takitaki (knee) is expected to be designated to return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Takitaki has been on the PUP list since training camp opened, but he'll finally be able to practice with the team once he's officially designated to return. Considering the amount of time he's missed, it's unlikely the 29-year-old will be moved to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, but further clarity there should be available later in the week.

Takitaki (knee) was placed on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.

Takitaki started camp on the active/PUP list and will remain unable to compete as the season gets underway. The BYU product will be forced to miss the first four weeks of the season and will be eligible to return in Week 5 if he is healthy enough to do so.

The Patriots placed Takitaki (knee) on the active/PUP list Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Per Reiss, Takitaki is recovering from a knee scope procedure during the offseason. The 2019 third-round pick out of BYU signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Patriots in March of 2024 after spending the first five years of his NFL career with the Browns. In 2023, Takitaki posted 66 tackles (45 solo), including 2.0 sacks, three pass deflections and one interception across 15 regular-season games. He'll be eligible to practice and play in the preseason once activated off the active/PUP list.

Takitaki has agreed to sign a two-year, $6.5 million deal with the Patriots that could be worth as much as $10.3 million, Mark Daniels of MassLive reports.

The fifth-year pro started seven of the Browns' 15 games in 2023 and finished with 66 tackles. Takitaki spent his first five seasons with Cleveland and started 36 of the 72 contests he played in.

Takitaki recorded three tackles and played 45 of 46 snaps in last Saturday's 45-14 wild-card playoff loss to Houston.

Takitaki was a prominent member of Cleveland's defense in 2023, which was better during the regular season than what it showed in the postseason loss. He ranked third in tackles with 66, including two sacks, and had one interception. The five-year veteran enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Takitaki totaled 16 tackles (11 solo) and deflected a pass in Thursday's 37-20 victory versus the Jets.

Takitaki was the Browns' leading tackler for the second straight week, this time blowing away his previous season-high mark with 16 stops. Prior to Thursday, the most tackles the linebacker had logged in a contest was seven. Not coincidentally, Takitaki's 63 defensive snaps Thursday were his second-most of the campaign. He's played 90-plus percent of the Browns' defensive snaps two of the past three weeks after not reaching that mark in any contest prior to Week 15.

Takitaki tallied seven tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 36-22 victory over the Texans in Week 16.

Takitaki's tackle total was his highest since he also registered seven stops against Denver in Week 12. The fifth-year pro is up to 50 tackles on the season, and he's also recorded a career-high 2.0 sacks. Takitaki's role has fluctuated during the campaign, but he's been on the field for at least 88 percent of Cleveland's defensive snaps each of the past two weeks.

Takitaki totaled three tackles (two solo) and one interception in Sunday's 27-0 rout of the Cardinals.

Takitaki notched the second pickoff of his five-year career when he intercepted Clayton Tune near the end of the third quarter. He's consistently played around half of Cleveland's defensive snaps throughout the campaign and has totaled 15 tackles (11 solo), including two sacks, over seven contests.

Takitaki (hamstring) is active for Sunday's Week 8 matchup with the Seahawks.

Takitaki missed last Sunday's contest against Indianapolis with a hamstring injury and sat out practice both Tuesday and Wednesday during Week 8 prep. However, he was able to practice in a limited fashion Friday, and that was enough for him to suit up Sunday. Tony Fields will likely see his workload reduced with Takitaki back in action.

Takitaki (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at the Seahawks, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Takitaki is in jeopardy of missing his second straight game as he nurses a hamstring injury. If he can't go, 2021 fifth-rounder Tony Fields figures to continue to see an expanded role in Week 8.

Takitaki (hamstring) is listed as out for Sunday's game at the Colts, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Takitaki will be sidelined for the first time this season as he tends to a hamstring injury. In his absence, 2021 fifth-rounder Tony Fields could see increased playing time.

Takitaki (knee) was absent from Cleveland's injury report Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game versus Cincinnati.

Despite tearing his ACL in Week 13 of last season, Takitaki appears to be ready to go for Week 1 of 2023. He'll start at linebacker next to Anthony Walker and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on a Browns defense with Super Bowl aspirations.

Takitaki (knee) took part in team drills for the first time Monday, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Takitaki had previously only been taking part in individual drills since camp opened, so it's a step in the right direction for the 28-year-old. He had previously stated that he was doing everything he can to be ready for Week 1, which still seems like a realistic possibility for the BYU product, as he works his way back from an ACL tear suffered Week 13 last season.

Takitaki (knee) is "doing everything he can to be ready for Week 1," according to head coach Kevin Stefanski, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki took part in individual drills Sunday, as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered during Week 13 of the 2022 campaign. Despite being limited to just 12 games last season, he still managed to record a career-high 71 tackles. He should play a significant role in the team's linebacker corps once he proves himself healthy enough to compete.

Takitaki (knee) has started training camp by participating in individual drills, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.

Takitaki has spent the offseason rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 13 last year. He signed a one-year, $2.43 million contract with the Browns in March after recording a career-high 71 tackles last season along with one sack and a forced fumble.

Takitaki (knee) expects to make "big comeback" in 2023, Brenna White of NFL.com reports.

Takitaki suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 of the 2022 campaign and has been recovering since, but he is "excited" for his return this year. The rehab process has reportedly been going well and the linebacker, once healthy, will look to build off of the career-high 71 tackles, including a sack, he recorded over 12 contests last season. Takitaki along with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are both set to return from injuries and operate as Cleveland's starting outside linebackers in 2023.

Takitaki (knee) was rehabbing on the side field to start mandatory minicamp, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki recorded a career-high 71 tackles before tearing his ACL in Week 13 last year. Given the typical return timeline for an ACL tear, it'd be surprising to see the 2019 third-round pick cleared for full-contact practices by the start of the 2023 campaign, but the team hasn't ruled that possibility out yet. Takitaki has started 28 games over the past three seasons and re-signed with the Browns this offseason via a one-year deal.

The Browns re-signed Takitaki (knee) to a one-year contract, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports.

The 2019 third-rounder suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 last season and likely won't be 100 percent until close to the start of the 2023 campaign. Takitaki has started 28 games over the last three years.

Takitaki underwent ACL surgery Dec. 14, putting him on track to return in mid-October, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Takitaki suffered the ACL injury in Week 13 and finished the 2022 campaign with a career-high 71 tackles across 12 appearances. As of now, it looks like the fourth-year linebacker will be sidelined until at least October while rehabbing from surgery, which may make his impending free agency difficult to traverse.

Takitaki (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Takitaki suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Sunday's win over the Texans, so his move to IR was a formality. The fourth-year pro was enjoying the most successful season of his career as a regular part of the team's linebacker rotation. His 71 tackles (36 solo) are a single-season high. In his absence, Tony Fields will likely take on a more significant role.

Takitaki suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Sunday's win over the Texans, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Takitaki's 2022 campaign will come to an end prematurely after he sustained the major knee injury in Week 13, finishing the year with 71 tackles, including a sack, while also forcing a fumble over 12 games. Tony Fields will likely step into a larger role moving forward in Takitaki's absence.

Takitaki recorded nine tackles (four solo) in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Bills.

Takitaki's nine stops in Week 11 versus Buffalo now brings total up to 56 on the year in that department. The 238-pound linebacker continues playing a prominent role in Cleveland's defensive unit, and that doesn't appear likely to change Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Takitaki racked up 10 tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's Week 10 loss to Miami.

Cleveland had a tough time handling the Dolphins' potent offense Sunday, and Takitaki had his hands full in tying for the team lead with 10 stops. It was his second straight game with a double-digit tackle total after failing to hit that mark in each of his first seven contests. Takitaki has seen his highest snap counts of the season over his past two games, and he's responded with 23 tackles after recording 24 between Weeks 1 and 7.

Takitaki had a season-high 13 tackles, a sack and forced a fumble in Monday's 32-13 win over the Bengals in Week 8.

Takitaki was part of a Browns' defense that finally looked like the unit it was projected to be in the preseason. He was on the field for a season-high 84-percent of the snaps and has 21 tackles over the last two weeks.

Takitaki has been playing as one of three starting linebackers in Cleveland's base defense during mandatory minicamp, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Takitaki may not be an every-down player heading into the 2022 regular season, however, as the linebacker was taken off the field during the Browns' pass-down defensive packages. The 27-year-old played 15 games with eight starts in 2021 before he was placed on the team's injured reserve with a shoulder injury heading into Week 18. Takitaki's production took a hit this past campaign, falling from 67 tackles over 15 games in 2020 to 44 tackles starts in 2021; so, the linebacker may need to prove himself as a full-time starting player heading into the final year of his rookie contract.

Takitaki (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

Coach Kevin Stefanski had already ruled Takitaki out for Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Browns, and his placement on IR frees up a spot on the active roster. The 26-year-old appeared in 15 games this year and logged 44 tackles (21 solo), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Coach Kevin Stefanski has ruled Takitaki out (shoulder) for Week 18, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Takitaki was forced out of Monday's loss to the Steelers due to a shoulder injury, and he won't be rushed back for Week 18's contest against the Bengals. The Browns have already been officially eliminated from postseason contention, so Takitaki's 2021 campaign ends with 44 tackles (21 solo), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery through 15 appearances.

Takitaki won't return to Monday's game against the Steelers due to a shoulder injury, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

With Takitaki done for the evening, look for Willie Harvey to step up for the Browns at strongside linebacker.

Takitaki (hamstring) is active Week 4 against the Vikings, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

A hamstring injury prevented Takitaki from taking the field Week 3 against Chicago, but it appears he'll be good to go in Minnesota after a week of limited practices. In the two games the third-year linebacker has suited up for this year, Takitaki has collected three combined tackles across 38 defensive snaps while also seeing work on special teams.

Takitaki (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Vikings, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Takitaki reportedly first injured his hamstring in preseason but then he reaggravated the same hamstring injury in Week 2. The linebacker hasn't been able to get back to full health as he was forced to leave Week 3's matchup early, where Elijah Lee filled in for the former BYU product. Expect Lee to continue to provide support to the Browns' linebacking corps Sunday even if Takitaki is able to play.

Takitaki has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bears due to a hamstring injury, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki dealt with a hamstring injury during the preseason and apparently aggravated the injury Week 2 versus Houston. Elijah Lee could fill Takitaki's rotational role in the linebacking corps this weekend.

Takitaki (hamstring) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki has dealt with the hamstring injury for the past few weeks, but his full practice participation Wednesday indicates it's not much of a concern. The 2019 third-round pick is poised to open the season as Cleveland's starting strongside linebacker after recording 67 tackles (41 solo), one sack and one interception in 2020.

Takitaki left Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Takitaki racked up two solo tackles in the team's preseason opener against Jacksonville, and it's not yet clear whether his injury will impact his availability for Sunday's exhibition matchup against the Giants. If the 2019 third-rounder is healthy for the start of the regular season, he's expected to take on a starting role.

Takitaki (ankle) is active Week 17 against Pittsburgh.

A week of limited practices won't get in the way of Takitaki taking the field for the season finale, especially after he logged 50 defensive snaps last week. He's lined up to start alongside Jacob Phillips and Mack Wilson to compose the Cleveland trio of linebackers with B.J. Goodson on the COVID list.

Takitaki (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.

Takitaki has been a limited participant in practice throughout the week, so he may be a true game-time decision Sunday after logging seven tackles (three solo) last week against the Jets.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Takitaki is day-to-day with an ankle injury, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Takitaki appeared to suffer this injury in a Week 16 loss to the Jets. The second-year linebacker tied his season high with seven tackles in that game. The day-to-day designation is encouraging for Takitaki's chances to play in the season finale against the Steelers; his Wednesday practice capacity should be more revealing about this status.

The Browns activated Takitaki (undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Takitaki wasn't able to face Jacksonville in Week 13 due to his placement on the COVID-19 list, but he's now on track to return in Tennessee on Sunday. The second-year pro has handled 25 percent of defensive snaps or more in six of his last seven appearances.

Takitaki two tackles, one for a loss, and an interception return for a touchdown in Sunday's 22-17 win over Philadelphia.

Takitaki had the game's first score, stepping in front of Miles Sanders to snatch a lazy lob from Carson Wentz and never broke stride for a 50-yard touchdown return. It was the second-year linebacker's first interception.

Takitaki played 15 games in 2019 and recorded 21 tackles while playing mostly on special teams.

The Browns invested a 2019 third-round pick in Takitaki, who didn't see much playing time while sitting behind Joe Schobert on the depth chart. That investment was made by the previous administration, so new head coach Kevin Stefanski does not have an attachment to Takitaki. The Browns are expected to lock up Schobert and prevent him from becoming a free agent, so Takitaki is looking at a depth spot at linebacker and another year on special teams in 2020.