Patriots free up 3 roster spots by releasing two and placing Jeremy Hill on the injured reserve

The New England Patriots made three roster moves on Monday, per ESPN’s Field Yates. The Patriots placed running back Jeremy Hill on the injured reserve with a torn ACL and they released wide receivers Riley McCarron and Chad Hansen. The Patriots will have to make three corresponding additions to the roster.

The move of Hill was expected due to his injury. Hopefully rookie Sony Michel will be able to return to the field and lessen the need to add another running back to the roster, while undrafted rookie Ralph Webb is on the practice squad and available for promotion.

McCarron muffed a punt that led to a Houston Texans touchdown, so his release should remind Patriots fans of Chris Harper. McCarron was a pure slot receiver on offense, so perhaps there’s another player the Patriots have in mind to step in at the slot. The team worked out Corey Coleman on Monday and veteran Kendall Wright last week. Jace Billingsley is another practice squad promotion option.

Hansen’s release shouldn’t make too many waves as he was with the team for a mere 8 days. The Patriots were just testing the waters to see what he could provide. Both McCarron and Hansen are practice squad targets.

We’ll provide updates on future roster moves when they are known.