Patriots activate OL Trent Brown, place LB Jamie Collins on IR

For the first time since Week 1, Trent Brown is expected to be in uniform for the Patriots. They activated the veteran tackle Saturday, while placing Jamie Collins on IR.

Brown sustained a calf injury in New England’s opener, but the Patriots did not place their right tackle starter on IR immediately. The Pats initially hoped Brown would come back without an IR stint, but they parked him on the injured list in early October. The seventh-year veteran is now back but has certainly gone through some unavailability issues since his first Pats stint.

After missing five games with the Raiders during a Pro Bowl 2019 season, Brown missed much of the 2020 season because of calf issues and COVID-19. He has played just seven snaps this season, costing himself money through the incentives the Patriots included in his restructured contract. While the 380-pound blocker remains an imposing presence, he has much to prove during the second half of his age-28 season.

The Patriots listed Collins as doubtful for Week 10. After beginning the season with the Lions, Collins made his way back to the Pats for a third stint and made a slick interception in their Week 9 blowout win in Charlotte. Collins has played in five games since re-signing with the Pats, registering a sack and seven tackles in addition to his INT.