Gunner Olszewski would be among the New England Patriots’ moves on the eve of the 2020 opener.
New England placed the receiver and returner on injured reserve Saturday, and announced the promotions of defensive tackle Xavier Williams and kicker Nick Folk to the active roster.
In addition, offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch has been signed to the practice squad.
Olszewski, 23, had been ruled out of Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins due to a foot injury. He will be eligible to return after three weeks. The Bemidji State product is the fourth Patriots player to be placed on IR since the week began, joining running back Damien Harris, offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste and defensive tackle Beau Allen.
NFL veterans in Williams and Folk signed to New England’s expanded scout team at its formation. According to the transaction wire, both have been designated as “standard elevations” and are scheduled to revert next week.
Williams, 28, arrived during training camp after making previous stops on the defensive lines of the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Undrafted out of Northern Iowa in 2015, Williams has appeared in 44 career games while registering 83 tackles, three sacks and three forced fumbles.
Folk, 35, was alongside rookie kicker Justin Rohrwasser on the practice squad. The former Dallas Cowboy, New York Jet, Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Arizona Hotshot went 14-of-17 on field goals and 12-of-12 on extra points for New England last season.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Gillette Stadium.