Important Patriots Starter Set To Return In Matchup Vs. Texans

New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger didn’t stay out of action for long.

Dugger missed a gutting loss to the Miami Dolphins last week due to an ankle injury but will suit up Sunday against the Houston Texans. The key veteran defender was questionable going into the contest after missing practice Wednesday and being a limited participant Thursday and Friday.

Getting Dugger back to play alongside Marte Mapu should give the Patriots a boost. Dugger’s coverage skills will be needed given Houston’s fierce passing attack spearheaded by second-quarter quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is fourth in the league in passing yards. Dugger recorded 20 tackles in four games this season.

Linebacker Sione Takitaki, who was activated to the Patriots 53-man roster Saturday, is set to make his season debut. Takitaki signed a two-year deal with the Patriots this offseason and started the season on injured reserve. He made 65 tackles in 15 games for the Cleveland Browns last season.

While the Patriots got reinforcements to their defense, their offense will miss several players, including a speedy wide receiver being a healthy scratch.