The Patriots activated Austin (wrist) off injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Austin has been sidelined since the team's Week 12 win over the Bengals but will seemingly make his return during Sunday's divisional-round matchup versus the Texans. The 24-year-old should resume his role as a special teamer and depth defender against Houston.

Austin (wrist) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Austin practiced in full Wednesday for the first time since he was placed on New England's injured reserve list back in November. He still hasn't been fully activated from IR, but his recent activity signals he might be ready to play in the Divisional Round versus the Texans.

Austin (wrist) was not activated from injured reserve Saturday and has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Austin turned in three limited practices for the second consecutive week, but it won't be enough for him to return. He hasn't played since Week 12, though he could be back for the divisional round should the Patriots defeat the Chargers on Sunday night.

Austin (wrist) is returning to practice Wednesday, per head coach Mike Vrabel, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin landed on injured reserve Nov. 25 due to a wrist injury. His return to practice Wednesday means he's eligible to be activated at any time, though it remains to be seen if New England will make that move ahead of Sunday's Week 18 game against the Dolphins. Prior to getting hurt, Austin had played in the Patriots' first 12 contests, logging 144 snaps on defense and 120 on special teams.

The Patriots placed Austin (undisclosed) on injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The cornerback will be forced to miss at least the next four games. Austin has appeared in all 12 games this season, logging 13 tackles (10 solo) and one pass breakup across 144 defensive snaps and another 120 on special teams.

The Patriots placed an exclusive rights tender on Austin on Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin missed eight regular-season games in 2024 due to an ankle injury. He returned in Week 12 against the Dolphins, and over the final six games of the season he accrued nine tackles (eight solo) and five pass defenses. Austin will likely sign the tender and return for the 2025 season, and he'll have a chance to earn the second starting outside cornerback job opposite Christian Gonzalez (concussion).

Austin (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Austin's 21-day window was nearing a close, but he did log a set of full practices last week, despite remaining on IR. Now healthy, the 23-year-old should be on the field Sunday against the Dolphins.

Austin (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin will now have a 21-day window to practice with the team before needing to be placed on the active roster. The second-year pro was mostly used on special teams before the injury and once healthy he will likely return to the same role.

Austin (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Austin had already been ruled out for the Patriots' Week 4 matchup against the 49ers due to an ankle issue before shifting to IR on Saturday. The second-year corner is now in line to miss at least New England's next four games, so Isaiah Bolden could see more snaps in the Patriots' secondary for the time being.

Austin (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Austin is dealing with an apparent ankle injury and will be forced to sit out Week 4 as a result. Marcellas Dial and Marco Wilson are two candidates to see an increase in workload at cornerback in Austin's absence versus San Francisco.