The New England Patriots got one of the players who is popular with his teammates back on Friday.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who was away from the team for nearly a week for personal reasons, returned to practice on Friday in limited fashion. The Patriots all talked postgame how they were keeping Tavai and his family in their thoughts and were thrilled to face-time with him in the locker room immediately after the win over Bengals

Christian Barmore, who was limited on Thursday for a non-injury related issue, fully participated on Friday, as did linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (ankle) who was also limited previously.

Tight ends Hunter Henry (toe) andC.J. Dippre (back) also practiced fully after missing all or part of the previous practice. So did OL Morgan Moses, who was out Thurday with an illness.

The Patriots were still without linebacker Harold Landry (knee), special teamer Brenden Schooler (ankle), defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest) and left guard Jared Wilson (ankle). Of the four, at least Wilson is not expected to play on Monday night vs. the Giants.

DART YES, LAWRENCE NO

Giants QB Jaxon Dart certainly is on track to start Monday night after missing the last three games with a concussion, as he practiced fully for the second straight day Friday and had cleared protocol. However, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (elbow) did not practice for the second straight day, increasing speculation he might not be able to play Monday. Lawrence was not on the field when the Lions got what proved to be the game-winning TD last Sunday in overtime on a long run from scrimmage. Another key Giant who did not practice and missed last week was linebacker Kayvon Thibodeau (shoulder).

Limited were two key receivers for the Giants, Wan’Dale Robinson (ankle) and Darius Slayton (hamstring). So were defensive backs Deonte Banks (hip) and Tyler Nubin (neck).

PREPARING FOR NEW COORDINATOR

The Giants changed defensive coordinators, firing Shane Bowen and replacing him with outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen. What will that do for the Patriots’ preparation? Can they revamp the defense that much?

“If they can change the defense in a week — I don’t know — they’re better than we are,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said. “Maybe (Bullen) pressures more, maybe he plays more Cover 2, maybe they — I would have no idea. But I think the structure has got to be the same.”

The Patriots will practice today and then have a walk-through on Sunday. Today will be like a Friday and Sunday will be like a Saturday with the game on Monday night.