The New England Patriots activated fullback Reggie Gilliam and offensive guard Greg Van Roten from injured reserve on Saturday, Nov. 14, one day before their matchup with the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany. Both players had returned to practice this month, but their availability for Sunday had remained uncertain.
The moves come as injuries have created questions across New England’s offensive line and backfield. The veterans give head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels additional options, though being activated does not guarantee either player will be available on game day.
## Greg Van Roten Could Help Fill a Guard Opening
Van Roten, 36, has been sidelined since late September with a hamstring injury. He returned to practice on Nov. 4 and was a full participant on Friday.
New England’s starting guards, Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker, remain on injured reserve. Ben Brown has been ruled out against Detroit with a knee injury, while Walter Rouse is questionable as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Van Roten could be an option at left guard.
“We’ll see how Greg comes out of practice,” Vrabel said Friday. “We’ll see where Walter is in the protocol and go from there.”
Van Roten entered the season with 105 career NFL starts and started all 17 games for the New York Giants in 2025. His return could provide experienced support for an offensive line that has faced another difficult week and help protect quarterback Drake Maye.
## Reggie Gilliam Adds Depth as Patriots’ Backfield Faces Questions
Gilliam gives New England another experienced blocker. The fullback signed with the Patriots in March after spending six seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 10, missing five consecutive games before returning to practice Wednesday. In four games before his absence, Gilliam played 58 offensive snaps and 39 special teams snaps.
His blocking could be useful against Detroit, particularly with running back TreVeyon Henderson ruled out because of an illness. Starter Rhamondre Stevenson is questionable with a knee injury suffered against the Green Bay Packers, which could leave Corey Kiner with a larger workload.
Gilliam’s return gives the Patriots a physical option in front of their running backs and adds flexibility to their personnel choices.
New England enters Sunday’s game at 5-4 after a loss to Green Bay. The Lions are 6-2.
