Mack Hollins Hits Injured Reserve, Ending Breakout Season with Patriots
Mack Hollins’ resurgence in New England has been one of the more underrated storylines of the Patriots’ season - a veteran wideout quietly putting together one of the best years of his NFL career. But just as the Patriots gear up for a postseason push, they’ve taken a major hit: Hollins is headed to injured reserve with an abdominal injury, ending his season.
It’s a tough break for both Hollins and the Patriots. The 6-foot-4, 221-pound wide receiver had become a go-to target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, giving the offense a reliable, physical presence on the perimeter and in key third-down situations.
Hollins brought more than just size - he brought efficiency. He caught 70.8% of his targets this year, the highest mark since his rookie season in 2017, when he was used far more sparingly.
Signed in March to a two-year, $8.4 million deal, Hollins was brought in to help stabilize a receiving corps that had been thin on production and consistency. And he delivered. Through 15 games, he hauled in 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns - not gaudy numbers, but significant in the context of New England’s evolving offense and Maye’s development under center.
The connection between Hollins and Maye was a fun storyline in its own right. Both are former North Carolina Tar Heels, and while their time in Chapel Hill didn’t overlap, the shared alma mater added a layer of chemistry that translated to the field. Hollins’ catch radius and veteran savvy gave the rookie quarterback a safety net in tight windows and pressure moments.
Hollins, now 32, has had one of the more nomadic careers in the league since being drafted in the fourth round by the Eagles back in 2017. He’s suited up for six different teams, carving out a role wherever he’s landed.
His most productive season in terms of volume came with the Raiders in 2022, when he posted 57 catches for 690 yards and four scores. But this year in New England felt different - not just because of the numbers, but because of the timing.
He was a stabilizing force in a young offense trying to find its identity.
His college days at UNC hinted at the kind of explosive playmaker he could be. In 2015, he led the nation with a staggering 24.8 yards per catch, finishing with 745 yards and eight touchdowns on just 30 receptions. That deep-threat ability never fully translated to a starring NFL role, but Hollins has made a career out of doing the little things right - blocking, special teams, and showing up when his number is called.
With Hollins sidelined, the Patriots will need their depth at wide receiver to step up, and quickly. Rookie Kyle Williams showed flashes last week against the Ravens, pulling in three catches for 46 yards and a touchdown. He’s likely to see an uptick in snaps moving forward.
Fortunately for New England, the receiving room isn’t bare. Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario Douglas round out a group that still offers plenty of options for Maye.
But make no mistake - Hollins’ absence will be felt. He brought a veteran presence, a physical edge, and a knack for making tough catches in traffic.
In a season full of growing pains and flashes of promise, Hollins was one of the constants.
Now, the Patriots will have to push forward without him - and hope the next man up is ready for the moment.