Steelers, Patriots Place Key Receivers on IR

The Patriots placed wide receiver Mack Hollins and fullback Reggie Gilliam on injured reserve Saturday. Hollins has a calf injury and Gilliam an ankle/knee injury; both must miss at least four games. New England activated safety Brenden Schooler off the non-football injury list, signed cornerback Kindle Vildor from the practice squad, and elevated Elliott Davison and K.J. Britt. The Steelers placed wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve after he re-aggravated a foot injury in Wednesday practice. Coach Mike McCarthy said Pittman is expected to miss multiple weeks. Pittman had plantar fasciitis in his left foot and missed Week 2 against New England. Pittsburgh acquired him from the Colts in March and signed him to a three-year, $59 million extension. He has 7 receptions on 12 targets for 89 yards this season. The Steelers elevated Brandon Smith for their Week 5 game and re-signed Doneiko Slaughter to the active roster. Contested: nothing contested in the record. How long each player stays out past the four-game minimum and who takes the snaps remain ahead.