The New England Patriots officially activated wide receiver Mack Hollins from injured reserve on Saturday, clearing him to play in their Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Hollins, who suffered a calf injury during the Week 4 loss to the Buffalo Bills, spent the previous four weeks on the IR list but returned to practice earlier this week to begin his 21-day return window. His activation resolves a critical depth concern, as the team had previously appeared to be short two starting-caliber receivers due to the ongoing absences of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs.
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The timing of Hollins’ return is pivotal for quarterback Drake Maye’s supporting cast. A.J. Brown was ruled out for a second consecutive game due to a knee issue, while Romeo Doubs remains on IR with a shoulder injury. Had Hollins remained inactive, the Patriots would have entered the contest with a significantly diminished receiving corps, a risky prospect given the physical nature of the Packers’ defense. The activation ensures Maye has a reliable veteran target capable of stretching the field and managing the game, mitigating the offensive vulnerabilities exposed in recent weeks.
Beyond the immediate roster implications, Hollins’ presence adds stability to a unit dealing with multiple medical uncertainties. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and tight end Hunter Henry were both listed as questionable for the contest, meaning the Patriots could have faced a three-man shortage in their primary skill positions. By securing Hollins for the game, New England retains a balanced offensive structure, allowing the coaching staff to focus on game planning rather than emergency substitutions. This move signals confidence in Hollins’ recovery and underscores the Patriots’ commitment to maintaining competitive depth as the season progresses.
Source: Yahoo Sports
