Dominique Easley Injury: Updates on Patriots DT's Hip and Return

New England Patriots defensive tackle Dominique Easley left the team's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a hip pointer and also missed Week 2 vs. the Buffalo Bills, but he is active for the team's Week 3 clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars, per the team.

The defensive tackle's presence is not surprising, as Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reported on Saturday that Easley was expected to play. 

Injuries aren't anything new for Easley, who has been tabbed as a potential successor to former New England defensive tackle Vince Wilfork in the middle of the Patriots defense.

Last season, Easley landed on the injured reserve list in December because of a knee injury. During his time at the University of Florida, he tore ACLs in both knees. 

After struggling in his rookie season with just one sack and seven quarterback hurries over the course of 270 snaps, per Pro Football Focus, Easley needs a healthy 2015 campaign to justify the Patriots' first-round investment and establish himself as a reliable piece along the defensive line.