Patriots Face Tight End Setback with Julian Hill’s Injury
Just two days after acquiring AJ Brown, the New England Patriots find themselves in need of a pass catcher as tight end Julian Hill has been placed on injured reserve. Hill, previously with the Miami Dolphins, sustained a knee injury during offseason practice, which will keep him off the field for the entire season.
“It’s really unfortunate,” expressed Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. “Julian won’t be able to play this year, which is devastating. I have a lot of respect for him and really wanted to keep him around.” The heartfelt sentiment is palpable; it’s clear that Hill made a significant impact in a short period.
Hill joined the Patriots in March, signing a three-year, $15 million contract. His loss will be felt not just on the field, but in the locker room, too. Vrabel noted the positive influence Hill had on his teammates and the enthusiastic way he practiced.
Previously, Hill spent three seasons with the Dolphins after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Over 45 games, he managed to catch 33 passes for a total of 288 yards.
New England had brought him on board to support Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry, with Hooper making the switch from the Atlanta Falcons last season, where he had 21 receptions for 263 yards.
If the team struggles to find a replacement for Hill, they may need to lean heavily on Henry, a seasoned nine-year veteran. Henry played in every regular season game in 2025, racking up 768 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. With a career total of 5,295 yards, he ranks fifth among active tight ends, seasoned and steady.
In addition, Hill’s injury opens the door for rookie tight end Eli Raridon from Notre Dame, who now might have a chance to shine. Raridon, selected in the third round of the draft, recorded 32 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns last season—all impressive stats, though he has faced his own challenges with injuries, including two torn ACLs.
As the season approaches, the Patriots will need to navigate this new terrain, adjusting their strategy to move forward without Hill while maximizing the abilities of the remaining tight ends on the roster.
