--- title: "Patriots Make Roster Changes Ahead of Raiders Game" url: https://newscentral.site/patriots-make-roster-changes-ahead-of-raiders-game/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Sports" published: 2026-10-11T00:03:29.000Z updated: 2026-10-11T00:33:16.189Z id: 902dffbf-7e50-4a3d-8c77-b258aff2c359 source: "Yahoo Sports https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/patriots-roster-moves-ahead-raiders-000329581.html" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/patriots-make-roster-changes-ahead-of-raiders-game/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Patriots Make Roster Changes Ahead of Raiders Game The New England Patriots have made several changes to their active roster ahead of their Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, with wide receiver Mack Hollins and fullback Reggie Gilliam being placed on injured reserve. The New England Patriots have made several changes to their active roster ahead of their Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wide receiver Mack Hollins and fullback Reggie Gilliam have been placed on injured reserve, paving the way for Brenden Schooler and Kindle Vildor to join the team. The spots left vacant by Hollins and Gilliam will be filled by Brittain Brown and Elliott Davison from the practice squad. Reggie Gilliam's injured reserve stint is particularly significant given his recent contract extension. He received an $8 million deal in free agency, making him the highest-paid fullback in the NFL based on total contract value. This investment suggests that the Patriots had big plans for Gilliam on both offense and special teams. However, those plans will have to be put on hold as Gilliam deals with knee and ankle issues that have plagued him throughout the season. He has already been ruled out for the Raiders game, and it's likely he'll miss at least four games, including contests against the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins. The Patriots' decision to place Gilliam on injured reserve is a setback for the team, which was counting on him as its only fullback. The loss of his services will be felt over the next few weeks, but the team has made some adjustments to mitigate the impact. The Patriots' run game has been struggling despite having Gilliam on the active roster, and it's unclear how much of an impact his absence will have on the team's performance. Gilliam's role within the unit was still a work in progress, and his limited playing time so far, 22% of offense snaps, suggests that the team was experimenting with different configurations to find what works best. With Gilliam now sidelined until early November due to injury, New England will have to adjust its plans for the run game, which may involve trying out new combinations or players in different roles. The loss of Gilliam adds to a list of significant offseason additions that have been placed on injured reserve, including J. Brown and Greg Van Roten, both of whom are eligible to return at some point. The Patriots also have other options available for replacing Gilliam, such as using undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin as a fullback/H-back hybrid or bringing back second-year FB Brock Lampe from the Bills' practice squad. The Patriots' receiving corps has been dealt another blow with the departure of Mack Hollins to injured reserve, joining fellow wideout Jakobi Brown on the sidelines. Hollins' absence is a direct result of his decision to leave the team, which leaves Chism in an advantageous position to make an impact. His performance against Buffalo, including a game-winning drive capped off by a one-handed touchdown from 23 yards out, has been well-received by teammates and coaches alike. The Patriots' receiving corps has taken a hit with Hollins joining Brown on IR, leaving the team thin at wide receiver. The group's depth has quickly deteriorated since training camp, where it initially appeared to be an embarrassment of riches. While Jakobi Brown's return will undoubtedly provide a boost to the group, the position can hardly afford any more setbacks. The Patriots have invested significant resources in their wide receivers for 2026 and beyond, suggesting they are committed to building through this position. The possibility of trading for Marvin Harrison Jr., who is reportedly being finalized by the Cardinals, cannot be ruled out entirely, but it would still come as a surprise given the team's existing investments at wide receiver. The Patriots have made another defensive back move ahead of their game against the Raiders, promoting Kindle Vildor to their 53-man roster. This decision comes after the team already brought up safety Mike Brown from the practice squad earlier in the week. With four cornerbacks ruled out for the game, including starters Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, Vildor's addition was anticipated. However, he has now officially become a member of the Patriots' 53-man roster, taking his place alongside six other cornerbacks. The team's decision to promote Vildor means that they will not have to use their second standard elevation, which would have been required if they had brought him up under those circumstances. This move also comes with a pay increase for Vildor and adds more experience to the Patriots' cornerback room. As an undrafted free agent in 2020, Vildor has already played in 86 combined regular season and playoff games. His extensive experience will likely be valuable to the team as they navigate their upcoming matchup against the Raiders. The Patriots' injury report has been a concern leading up to their game against the Raiders, and the latest update is that cornerback Vildor's presence on the active team now means they have two fully healthy cornerbacks. This development comes as the team deals with several other injuries, including those of Gonzalez, Davis, Channing Canada, and Karon Prunty, which increases the likelihood that Vildor will be used in the game. Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr has expressed confidence in Vildor's abilities, describing him as "the ultimate pro" who can adapt to different situations on the field. Meanwhile, another player is set to return from a non-football injury list, with Brenden Schooler being activated before the game against the Raiders. The Patriots' roster moves ahead of their game against the Raiders have sparked significant changes, particularly in the kicking game. With Brenden Schooler activated from the non-football injury list, the team's depth at this position has increased significantly. Schooler's return is expected to have a ripple effect across the board, potentially freeing up players to take on expanded roles or receive more playing time between series. This could lead to a shake-up in the team's strategy and lineup decisions. The Patriots currently have one spot open on their 53-man roster, with another available on the practice squad following Vildor's promotion. Brown's impending return may influence the team's decision on whether to fill this remaining spot or keep it open for now. --- Source: [Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/patriots-roster-moves-ahead-raiders-000329581.html) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/patriots-make-roster-changes-ahead-of-raiders-game/