The New England Patriots just got a potential boost ahead of their biggest game of the season - and it comes in the form of veteran wideout Mack Hollins trending in the right direction health-wise.
After missing the final stretch of the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs with an abdominal injury, Hollins was a full participant in Friday’s practice. That’s a notable step forward after being limited the day before, and it puts him in position to possibly be activated from injured reserve ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
The Patriots have until Saturday at 4 p.m. ET to make that call.
It’s not just good news - it could be game-changing news for New England’s offense.
Hollins, now in his ninth NFL season and first with the Patriots, carved out a key role as a starter throughout most of the 2025 campaign. He emerged as a reliable deep threat, tallying 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns - numbers that marked a clear uptick from his previous stops in Atlanta and Buffalo. His size, physicality, and ability to stretch the field added a new layer to the Patriots’ passing game, and his presence has been missed during the postseason run so far.
If he’s able to suit up on Sunday, Hollins gives the Patriots another weapon to challenge Denver’s secondary - a unit that’s been stingy down the stretch. His ability to win contested catches and create separation downfield would help open things up for the rest of the offense, particularly in a game where every inch is going to matter.
This is a Patriots team that’s already defied expectations this postseason. With a shot at their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2018-19 season, and still chasing their first title since Tom Brady’s departure in 2020, New England is knocking on the door of a new era - one that’s built on a different core, but with the same championship mindset.
Kickoff for the AFC title game is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in Denver. If Hollins is active, keep an eye on No. 18 - he could be the X-factor in a game with Super Bowl 60 on the line.