As the New England Patriots prepare for a high-stakes AFC Championship showdown with the Denver Broncos, all eyes are on the health of their receiving corps-and specifically, on veteran wideout Mack Hollins.
After missing time since Week 16 with an abdomen injury, Hollins was spotted back in the locker room on Thursday, cleats on and ready to go. That’s a promising sign, especially considering he hadn’t practiced at all leading up to this week. While the team’s official injury report will offer more clarity, even a “questionable” tag would mark real progress for the 30-year-old receiver.
The Patriots know what Hollins brings to the table. In his first season with New England, he’s hauled in 46 catches for 550 yards and a pair of touchdowns over 15 games. That production made him the team’s third-most targeted receiver and fourth in total receiving yards-solid numbers that reflect his steady presence in the passing game.
For rookie quarterback Drake Maye, having Hollins back in the lineup would be a welcome boost. Maye has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and having a full complement of weapons at his disposal could be the difference in a tightly contested playoff matchup. Hollins’ size, physicality, and ability to win contested catches add a different dimension to New England’s aerial attack.
Of course, the decision to activate Hollins won’t be made lightly. The coaching staff will keep a close eye on how his body responds to Thursday’s workload. If there’s any concern about his ability to contribute effectively, the Patriots could opt to hold him out and lean on their depth at the position.
Still, the fact that Hollins is back on the practice field is an encouraging development. With the AFC title on the line, every offensive weapon matters-and if Hollins is healthy enough to go, it gives Maye another trusted option when the pressure’s on.