Photo via Yahoo Sports

What the Patriots’ roster moves ahead of the Raiders game mean

The New England Patriots made significant roster adjustments ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, with two key starters landing on injured reserve. Fullback Reggie Gilliam, signed to a three-year, $10.8 million deal this offseason—the largest contract for a fullback in the NFL—was placed on IR after dealing with persistent knee and ankle issues.

His absence will sideline him for at least four games, including the Raiders contest and the upcoming stretch against the Jets, Bears, and Dolphins. Though Gilliam’s role in the Patriots’ struggling run game was limited (22% of offensive snaps this season), his special teams contributions (41% of snaps) and the team’s financial commitment to him add weight to the injury’s impact.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Mack Hollins, acquired midseason, also went on IR after a calf injury suffered against his former team, the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots have already begun exploring alternatives, including repurposing undrafted rookie tight end Tanner Arkin as a fullback hybrid or recalling Brock Lampe from the Bills’ practice squad.

With four offseason additions now on IR—including tight end Julian Hill, who will miss the entire season—the Patriots face a deeper-than-expected personnel crunch just as their season enters a critical stretch.

Up nextNFL· 35m ago

What To Watch For: Syracuse Orange