New England Patriots put Jeremy Hill on IR, open up two more spots

The New England Patriots made some roster moves following their Week 1 victory, including putting Jeremy Hill on IR.

The New England Patriots had a solid Week 1. New England defeated the Houston Texans 27-20, getting their season off on the right foot. While the win was nice for the team, some players won’t be remaining with the team into Week 2.

Following the victory, the Patriots made a few roster moves. All in all, three roster spots have been opened up following the transactions.

The backfield suffered yet another blow in Week 1. Jeremy Hill beat out Mike Gillislee during the preseason, earning the third running back spot on the depth chart. With Sony Michel sidelined Week 1, Hill had a role out of the gate, but it was quickly cut short.

Hill was injured early in the third quarter after receiving five touches on offense. He also made an impact on special teams, blocking a punt. However, he took a helmet hit on his knee and was quickly ruled out of the game.

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The end result was as bad as they feared, as Hill ended up tearing his ACL. He was placed on IR, ending his season.

With Hill out for the season, Michel and Rex Burkhead should carry the load in the backfield with James White. Ralph Webb could also be added to the 53-man roster off the practice squad after a strong preseason.

In addition to Hill, the Patriots also made some changes to their wide receiver spot. Riley McCarron and Chad Hansen were both waived on Monday.

Field Yates of ESPN shared the news on Twitter.

The release of McCarron should not be surprising. He had a rough performance in Week 1. McCarron dropped the only target he received and also muffed a punt. Those are two quick ways, especially the muffed punt, to lose a roster spot.

Hansen was recently claimed off waivers from the New York Jets but didn’t last too long in New England. Both players could end up on the taxi squad if New England wants to continue developing them off the 53-man roster.

With those two players being released, the Patriots wide receiver depth chart is very thin. Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson are the only players who get on the field offensively. Julian Edelman is suspended through the first four games of the season, and Matt Slater is a wide receiver in name only, providing his impact on special teams.

Expect another player to be added to the wide receiver room early this week as the team gets ready for their Week 2 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Corey Coleman is one person to keep an eye on, as the Patriots had him in for a workout this week.