The Patriots placed two key offensive players on injured reserve Saturday afternoon.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) and guard Reggie Gilliam (ankle/knee) have both been placed on injured reserve and are expected to miss at least four games.
To fill their roster spots, the Patriots activated safety/special teams ace Brenden Schooler off the non-football injury list and signed cornerback Kindle Vildor from the practice squad.
The team also elevated safety Elliott Davison and linebacker KJ Britt from the practice squad.
The series of moves leaves the Patriots with an open spot on their 53-man roster.
Hollins has been quarterback Drake Maye’s most reliable target since AJ Brown was placed on injured reserve after Week 1. Brown is eligible to return next week.
The Patriots will have four receivers available Sunday against the Raiders: Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism and Kyle Williams. This could be a big week for Chism, who had two big catches, including the game-winning catch last Sunday against the Bills.
Expect tight ends Cameron Latu and Tanner Arkin to help replace Gilliam. Tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon and rookie tackle Caleb Lomu — as a giant tight end — could also take on larger blocking roles.
The Patriots will also only have three cornerbacks available: Marcus Jones, Charles Woods and Vildor. Davison could also add depth at cornerback. He was occasionally seen with the cornerbacks in practice this week.
Davison joins Schooler, Craig Woodson, Kevin Byard, Jaylen Reed and Mike Brown among the available safeties.
Britt joins Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Erick Hunter, Darius Muasau and Namdi Obiazor at linebacker.
The fact that the Patriots haven’t made any moves at running back is a good sign for Rhamondre Stevenson, who said Friday he’s ready to take on the Raiders.
Gn sports
