NFL

Patriots activate Brenden Schooler, place two veterans on injured reserve amid series of moves

October 10, 2026

The New England Patriots made several roster adjustments ahead of their Sunday matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, activating special teams leader Brenden Schooler to fill the final roster spot. Schooler, who missed the entire training camp due to a back injury and remained on the non-football injury list through the preseason, returned after a 21-day practice window opened in late September.

The 29-year-old safety, a former undrafted free agent and captain of the kicking game, has accumulated 66 career appearances since joining the Patriots in 2022, including Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. His return marks the earliest possible comeback under NFL rules after four games of the season have already passed, with Schooler contributing 1,433 snaps on special teams and 93 on defense during his tenure in Foxborough.

Meanwhile, the Patriots placed fullback Reggie Gilliam and wide receiver Mack Hollins on injured reserve due to ankle/foot and calf injuries, respectively. Gilliam, a former Bills lead blocker, will miss at least four games after being ruled out this week, while Hollins—who leads the team with 209 receiving yards through four games—heads to IR after missing three practices.

The team also elevated linebacker K.J. Britt and safety Elliott Davison from the practice squad and signed cornerback Kindle Vildor to the active roster, reshaping its depth chart ahead of the Raiders game.