Since the start of the 2026 season, injuries have been a major part of the Patriots' story, with several players placed on injured reserve before Week 1 even began. Unfortunately, that pattern hasn't stopped through 7 games, with WR Romeo Doubs and OL Alijah Vera-Tucker being the latest to suffer serious enough injuries to land on IR.
They are now up to 20+ players to spend time on IR since the start of the offseason, and it has taken a toll on the roster through the first half of the season.
It has been particularly debilitating for the offense, as Drake Maye has already lost several offensive linemen and wide receivers, with only a few likely to return before the season is over.
A.J. Brown returned in Week 6 after missing four games with an ankle sprain, and tackle Marcus Bryant was also activated after missing time. That leaves the team with only 6 more players they can bring back from IR before the season ends, since each team can reactivate 8 players a year, and given the long list, it will be a tough decision.
The Patriots' list of injuries will force the front office to make some big decisions
After Week 7, the Patriots have 10 players on IR, a few of whom will be eligible to return as soon as next week. The list includes WR Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins; OL Alijah VT Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu; FB Greg Van Roten; P Bryce Baringer; S Dell Pettus; and LB Quintayvious Hutchins and Khalil Jacobs.
Based on that list and the current roster's weaknesses, a handful of names seem like no-brainer returns, especially since one of the biggest issues the Patriots face is a lack of depth across the board.
That means Doubs and Hollins will inevitably return, Vera-Tucker and Van Roten, since Onwenu probably can't play again this year due to a broken ankle in Week 2, and Gilliam, since he can help on the offensive line and be productive in the passing game.
The rest of the list, however, isn't as clear.
That's already five of the six players they can activate to the 53-man roster, and it's difficult to say who would be best.
They have lucked out with Mitch Wishnowsky filling in nicely at punter for Baringer, who has been inconsistent at best in recent years, and they haven't dealt with any real injuries to linebackers that make Hutchins or Jacobs priorities.
That makes Pettus a legitimate frontrunner, and given the secondary's injuries in recent weeks, it makes sense to get him back on the field. It will be even more crucial if CB Carlton Davis misses more time, especially after the secondary's poor performance against the Bears last week.
Regardless, the Patriots will have a lot to consider moving forward, and if they are forced to put more players on IR in the next few weeks, those choices will be much more difficult.
Add us as a preferred source on Google