FOXBORO — Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai missed Sunday’s win with a personal issue, which the team has kept private.

Cornerback Carlton Davis III said players wanted to win for Tavai on Sunday, and they FaceTimed the veteran linebacker after the 26-20 victory over the Bengals.

“Jahlani had a rough week, and he was heavy on our hearts,” Davis said Monday afternoon. “And before the game, we wanted to play for him, and make it about our family within this facility.”

“It was one of those moments where we felt like a family, like a real family, and that’s what football’s all about,” Davis continued. “It’s about creating that brotherhood, having each other’s back on and off the field. So, just to be able to FaceTime him after a tough win, and to see his smile and to see him in better spirits was everything for us. That’s what it’s all about. Now, we still are praying for him and his family, and we’re still hoping for the best. But getting that way for him was everything for us.”

Linebacker Jack Gibbens delivered a speech before the game, inspiring players to play for Tavai and the team’s “brotherhood,” Davis said Monday.

Davis credited head coach Mike Vrabel for fostering a close, familial connection within the team this season.

“I think that you can see that the players in this team and everybody associated with it, the organization, care deeply about him,” Vrabel said Monday.

Extra points

Vrabel said Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who is getting treated for prostate cancer, is “continuing to improve from a health standpoint.” “It’s a process in the treatment, but I would say that he did everything that he could to get himself ready for the treatment, for the chemo, and so, therefore, I think that he’s responded well. It’s good to see him continuing to have good weeks, and then come in and see us when he feels up to it, which he has.” … Vrabel didn’t have injury updates on safety Brenden Schooler (ankle) or defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest) … The Giants fired Shane Bowen on Monday. Bowen worked with Vrabel at Ohio State in 2012 and with the Texans in 2016 and 2017. He then served as Vrabel’s outside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator with the Titans from 2018 to 2023. Vrabel called Bowen a close friend and a good coach. “This business is — again, things happen. They make decisions. So, I’ll support Shane the best that I can, and his family, but then also focus on everything that we have here. So, that’s kind of how this thing goes.” It’s not bad to have a close friend a call away for any questions about the Giants this week.