Patriots Place WR Romeo Doubs On IR

Doubs is now on New England’s IR list, per the team. The free agent pickup suffered a shoulder injury against the Jets on Sunday. The Pats signed defensive back Elliot Davison from their practice squad to take Doubs’ roster spot.

A diving Doubs 42-yard first-quarter touchdown reception will lead him off New England’s 53-man roster. This will be the fifth-year veteran’s first time on IR as a pro. Doubs missed two games due to injury in 2024 but has been mostly durable throughout his career. The former fourth-round Packers draftee was a key part of the Patriots overhauling their receiving corps this offseason, but he and Brown have not seen the field together much this season.

New England added Doubs on a four-year, $68MM contract in free agency. The move came shortly after the team released Stefon Diggs, its 2025 receiving leader. PFR’s No. 11-ranked free agent, Doubs trailed only Alec Pierce among wideout deals on this year’s market. The 26-year-old Nevada product has 14 receptions for 261 yards and three touchdowns this season.

The Patriots pursued Pierce as well, though the Commanders were viewed as the runners-up for the deep threat who ultimately re-signed with the Colts. This represents another setback for the 2026 receiver free agency class. Pierce is on IR due to a reinjury, while Jauan Jennings has not made much of an impact — after his market underwhelmed — with the Vikings. Minnesota’s previous No. 3 wide receiver, Jalen Nailor, has struggled with the Raiders. Mike Evans has been the best of the bunch so far, being a key performer for a 49ers team again depleted at receiver.

Viewed as a player with upside after being part of a crowded Packers receiver cadre, Doubs secured $35MM guaranteed at signing. He will not be eligible to return until Week 12, as the Patriots’ bye comes in Week 11. New England played Weeks 2-5 without Brown, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1. Brown returned against the Jets when first eligible but struggled. The Pats will need to lean on their high-profile trade acquisition minus Doubs.

Still in fairly good shape at receiver, the Pats are certainly much thinner than they were entering the season. The team traded Kayshon Boutte to the Texans late this summer and placed Mack Hollins on IR earlier this season. Hollins is not eligible to return until Week 9. DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams represent the team’s top Brown supporting-cast options in the meantime.