FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots rookie defensive tackle Dominique Easley might be thrown into the fire this week against the Minnesota Vikings after receiving just 27 snaps in his NFL debut.
Easley is 11 months removed from tearing his right ACL with the Florida Gators, but he says he’s physically ready to see more action in Week 2. Linebacker Jamie Collins’ absence in Patriots practice Friday could shift around the front seven and thrust Easley into a bigger role.
If Collins sits out Sunday’s game against the Vikings, edge rusher Chandler Jones could move from defensive end to outside linebacker, leaving a space on the line open for Easley. Easley didn’t play throughout the preseason, sitting out as he fully recovered from knee surgery. He recorded one tackle against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday in the Patriots’ 33-20 Week 1 loss.
Easley is ready for whatever coaches throw at him as he gets accustomed to the NFL.
“I’m just really trying to do my best part for the team,” Easley said. “Wherever they need me, I’ll be there.”
