New England Patriots
New England also bolstered its ailing defense with three practice squad elevations.
An influx of roster transactions was made by the New England Patriots on Saturday, less than 24 hours before the team’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Patriots brought up three players from their practice squad, lost two ailing roster members to injured reserve, and activated one from the non-football injury list ahead of Week 5.
Here’s the full breakdown of additions and subtractions.
Reggie Gilliam, Mack Hollins to IR
Two important offensive players landed on injured reserve: fullback Reggie Gilliam and wide receiver Mack Hollins.
Gilliam, 29, looked to have been managing his health all season; recently sustained ankle and knee ailments have sidelined him for at least the next four games. He was ruled out for Week 5 by the Patriots on Friday due to his condition.
Gilliam served primarily as a blocker in the backfield as opposed to an offensive weapon during the first four games of the season. New England will have to utilize their tight ends to fill Gilliam’s void, particularly Tanner Arkin and Cameron Latu.
As for Hollins, the calf ailment he suffered appears to be severe. He’ll have to sit out for at least the next four games alongside Gilliam.
Hollins originally sustained the injury last week against the Buffalo Bills and was ruled out for Week 5 on Friday. It appeared to be a non-contact injury, which caused him to hop off the field.
The loss of Hollins is a big one for the Patriots. The veteran WR has essentially been Maye’s security blanket since A.J. Brown himself went on IR after his Week 1 injury.
The 33-year-old racked up 15 receptions for 209 yards through four games, but had yet to cross the goal line. Hollins logged three catches for 53 yards in last week’s crucial win over Buffalo.
Without Hollins, Maye will be left with just four WR versus a Las Vegas defense that features the formidable Maxx Crosby: Efton Chism, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams.
Chism came up huge last week following Hollins’s departure in the second half. The second-year wideout scored the memorable game-winning touchdown with one hand; he finished the day with two catches for 42 yards. He should expect to be relied upon heavily in the passing game this week.
Additionally, Brown (ankle) will be eligible to return from IR next week. He has recently walked around the locker room without a limp, according to reporters.
With Hollins out for the foreseeable future, New England needs Brown back more than ever.
CB troubles continue
Week 5 will mark the Patriots’ second week without star cornerback Christian Gonzalez as he deals with a lingering shoulder injury. Not only will they be without their prized DB again, but they’ll be wildly shorthanded in the secondary as a whole: CBs Gonzalez, Channing Canada, Carlton Davis, and Karon Prunty were all ruled out.
Plus, Charles Woods (shoulder) was deemed questionable on Friday, which left Marcus Jones as the only CB without an injury designation entering the weekend.
New England slightly alleviated the issue by signing Kindle Vildor to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, which means the team will be fielding just three corners Sunday.
Safety Craig Woodson (shoulder) plus linebackers Christian Elliss (chest) and Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder) were also ruled questionable. That prompted the Patriots to elevate S Elliott Davison and LB K.J. Britt from the practice squad.
Special teams ace/safety Brenden Schooler was also activated from the non-football injury list to offer a bit of reprieve.
Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr admitted he’d have to “get creative” this week amidst the injury chaos.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been challenging, I’d say the guys are excited about the anticipation and how we get creative with some things,” Kuhr said on WEEI on Friday. “It’s not only practicing for us, it’s also about getting good looks for the offense as well. I think they’ve been excited to solve the problem of the week.”
Raiders RB note
New England’s thin defense may get lucky based on one of Las Vegas’ roster moves.
The Raiders elevated running back Roman Hemby from their practice squad in the wake of Ashton Jeanty’s questionable status due to a foot and ankle ailment.
Jeanty was limited during Thursday’s practice and missed Friday’s, an indication his availability would be murky. Las Vegas adding a RB to their roster one day before kickoff suggests the second-year rusher will at least be a game-time decision.
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