Overview
- The Patriots placed Julian Hill on injured reserve and announced the move on Monday, removing him from the 2026 roster before the regular season.
- Head coach Mike Vrabel said Hill "won't be able to play this season" and called the injury "devastating" while the team has not released a full medical diagnosis.
- Multiple outlets report the injury involves Hill's knee, though the club has not officially confirmed that detail.
- Hill signed a three‑year, $15 million deal in March and will miss the first year of that contract, leaving New England without the blocker‑type depth they targeted in free agency.
- With Hunter Henry remaining the starter, third‑round rookie Eli Raridon and other backups are expected to take on larger roles and the team may look for other tight end options after completing the A.J. Brown trade.