The move comes on the eve of New England's Week 10 game against the Lions, with Van Roten and Gilliam activated off IR in return.
The Patriots placed running back TreVeyon Henderson on injured reserve, confirming the rookie-turned-second-year back won't play Sunday against the Detroit Lions as he continues dealing with an unexplained neurological issue.
Henderson, 24, has been out since Oct. 29 because of an illness that briefly hospitalized him. Earlier this month he posted an update on social media explaining he had experienced what he called "an unexpected and unusual medical emergency involving a series of unexplained neurological symptoms that required hospitalization for several days." Neither the team nor Henderson has offered further detail on a diagnosis or timeline for return.
Along with the Henderson move, New England activated interior offensive lineman Greg Van Roten and fullback Reggie Gilliam off injured reserve. The team also elevated interior offensive lineman Andrew Rupcich from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game.
The transactions give the Patriots some reinforcements along the offensive front even as they lose a key piece of their backfield for the foreseeable future. There is no word yet on when Henderson might resume football activities.