The Patriots used their one-per-team revocable injured reserve designation on tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. The veteran was activated on Saturday, one day before the Pats host the Bills.
Shiancoe, who signed with the team in the offseason after five years in Minnesota, was placed on injured reserve on the first day the new designated-for-return category could be used, September 5.
The move comes with four of the Pats’ pass catchers listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Tight end Rob Gronkowski has a hip injury, tight end Aaron Hernandez is still dealing with an ankle problem, receiver Wes Welker has an ankle injury, and receiver Brandon Lloyd has a knee injury.
Shiancoe, 32, has the ability to demonstrate the same kind of versatility we’ve seen from other New England tight ends. In 2009, he caught 11 touchdown passes with the Vikings. He also has played for the Giants.