The Patriots are making moves ahead of their AFC Championship showdown with the Broncos, and one of those moves means the end of the road-at least for now-for defensive lineman Eric Gregory.
In a series of roster shuffles announced Saturday, New England elevated defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III and running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster. At the same time, they confirmed that defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (hamstring) and running back Terrell Jennings (concussion) won’t be suiting up this weekend, as both remain on injured reserve. On the flip side, wide receiver Mack Hollins is officially back in the fold after being activated from IR and will be available for Sunday’s game.
Hollins’ return is a boost for a Patriots receiving corps that’s been looking for consistency and physicality on the outside. He’s the kind of player who can make his presence felt without needing a dozen targets-tough, experienced, and a reliable blocker in the run game. His availability could help open things up for New England’s offense in a game where every yard is going to matter.
But to make all of this work within the roster limits, someone had to come off the active list-and that someone was Gregory.
The 24-year-old defensive lineman was placed on injured reserve, ending his season just as the Patriots gear up for their biggest game of the year. Gregory appeared in seven games this season, including the wild-card win over the Chargers.
He logged eight tackles while playing 36% of the defensive snaps and contributing on special teams in a limited role (7.1% of snaps when active). He was a healthy scratch in the divisional round victory over Houston, a sign that the coaching staff may have been leaning toward other options up front.
It’s a tough break for a young player still trying to carve out a consistent role in a deep and disciplined defensive line rotation. Gregory’s physical tools and flashes of potential were evident, but with postseason intensity ramping up and the margin for error shrinking, the Patriots opted for experience and immediate impact.
With Taylor III stepping in and Hollins returning, New England’s depth looks a bit more fortified heading into Denver. But Gregory’s absence is a reminder of how thin the line can be between staying active and being sidelined-especially in January.