Full Breakdown
Patriots Face Raiders Amid Wave of Injuries and Roster Moves
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The New England Patriots placed wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) and fullback Reggie Gilliam (ankle/knee) on injured reserve (IR) the Saturday before their Week 5 home game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Both must miss a minimum of four games. The moves also included activating special-teams ace Brenden Schooler from the non-football injury list, signing cornerback Kindle Vildor to the 53-man roster, and elevating linebacker K.J. Britt and safety Elliott Davison from the practice squad for Sunday’s matchup.
Background & Context
New England entered the Raiders contest at 2-2 after a 29-26 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 4. That victory came while the Patriots were already coping with the loss of star receiver A.J. Brown, who has been on IR since a high-ankle sprain in the season opener. Hollins, who stepped into the primary receiver role after Brown’s injury, had become the team leader in receptions and receiving yards through four games. The Patriots’ secondary was also thin, with starting cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Channing Canada and Karon Prunty ruled out for the Raiders game.
Data & Statistics
- Mack Hollins: 15 receptions, 209 yards, 0 touchdowns.
- Reggie Gilliam: appeared in four games, recorded one reception for four yards.
- A.J. Brown: on IR with a high-ankle sprain; eligible to return in Week 6.
- Available receivers for Sunday: Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III, Kyle Williams.
- Cornerbacks on the active list: Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, Kindle Vildor; the Patriots will rely on three-safety nickel packages.
- Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty listed as questionable after missing practice on October 9, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Mike Vrabel emphasized the need for depth, noting that “anybody that can help us … we’ll go explore here shortly.” Quarterback Drake Maye acknowledged the reduced receiving corps but expressed confidence in the remaining group’s ability to execute. Brenden Schooler, activated from the non-football injury list, said he is “just chomping at the bit to get back.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Hollins, who suffered the calf injury while running a pass route in the third quarter of the Bills win, told reporters he felt “good” after the incident and hoped to return to practice soon. Gilliam’s ankle and knee issues have limited him to a handful of snaps, prompting the Patriots to consider using tight end Cameron Latu in a fullback role.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on the exact status of Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. Some outlets list him as “questionable” after missing practice on October 9, 2026, while others have not confirmed whether he will be active. The Patriots have not disclosed any timeline for a potential free-agent signing to replace the injured receivers.
What’s Next
The Patriots host the Raiders at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2026. Hollins and Gilliam will remain on IR for at least four games, while Brown’s earliest possible return is Week 6. The Patriots’ ability to adapt their offensive personnel and defensive schemes will be a key factor in the Week 5 showdown.