The New England Patriots are one win away from the Super Bowl, and as they gear up to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, they might be doing so without one of their key veteran receivers. Mack Hollins, who’s been sidelined with an abdominal injury, remains a question mark heading into the weekend.
Head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t sound overly optimistic when asked about Hollins’ status, saying he “can’t be certain” the wideout will even practice this week. While Hollins is eligible to return from injured reserve, the uncertainty around his availability puts the spotlight on a much younger name: rookie receiver Kyle Williams.
Now, let’s be clear - Williams hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet this postseason. Through two playoff games, he’s managed just one catch for seven yards on seven targets.
His most recent outing against the Texans was a quiet one: three targets, no receptions, and a missed opportunity on a back-shoulder throw from rookie quarterback Drake Maye late in the fourth quarter. Add in a shaky moment on a kickoff return, and it’s fair to say the rookie has had a tough go of it under the bright lights of playoff football.
But here’s the thing: the Patriots still believe in him.
Despite the struggles, Williams continues to see the field. Over the past three weeks, he’s logged more offensive snaps than both DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism III - two fellow receivers vying for that WR3 role behind Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte.
That kind of usage tells us something: the coaching staff sees something in Williams. Whether it’s his route-running, his blocking, or just his potential to stretch the field, he’s earned their trust - at least enough to stay in the rotation.
And with Hollins’ status in limbo, that trust could be tested in a big way this weekend.
Williams’ regular season was a mixed bag - 10 catches, 209 yards, and three touchdowns. Nothing eye-popping, but enough flashes to suggest there’s a playmaker in there.
He’s shown he can get behind a defense and make a big play, but consistency has been the missing piece. That’s not unusual for a rookie, especially one coming from Washington State’s system, but the stakes are higher now.
This isn’t Week 6 - it’s the AFC Championship.
The Patriots are heading into a hostile environment at Empower Field at Mile High, where the altitude is high and the margin for error is low. They’ll need contributions from everyone, especially if they’re down a veteran like Hollins. That means Williams might get another shot - another chance to turn targets into catches, and catches into momentum.
It’s a big ask for a young receiver who’s still finding his footing, but this is what January football is all about. The stage is set.
The opportunity is there. And if Kyle Williams can step up when it matters most, he could be the unexpected X-factor in New England’s Super Bowl push.