The New England Patriots remained without Mack Hollins during Wednesday’s preparations for the Denver Broncos.
That changed by Thursday, however, as the wide receiver practiced for the first time since
being sent to injured reserve in December. His 21-day activation window has been opened ahead of the AFC Championship Game at Mile High.
Hollins, 32, sustained an abdomen injury during what became a 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium last month. Between the end of the regular season and the start of the postseason, the 6-foot-4, 221-pound target missed four games before becoming eligible to return this week. The wideout depth chart has featured Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas as well as rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III in his absence.
Agreeing to terms on a two-year, $8.7 million contract last March, Hollins stands 15 appearances into his stay in Foxborough. Starting 13 games, the versatile veteran has caught 46 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns. His 657 offensive snaps led the position at the time of his move to injured reserve.
Entering the NFL in the fourth round of the 2017 draft out of the University of North Carolina, Hollins made previous stops with the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills. The Super Bowl LII champion’s career spans 133 games, including playoffs, along with 214 receptions for 2,732 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has also served as a special teams captain during his time in the league.
The Patriots opened defensive tackle Joshua Farmer’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve to begin the week. And leading up to the divisional round last week, running back Terrell Jennings also resumed practicing for the AFC’s No. 2 seed. The list of candidates to get the green light now checks in at three.
Head coach Mike Vrabel’s side currently carries a full 53-man roster and 17-man practice squad. Activations would requiring corresponding moves before Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline for the AFC Championship Game.
Sunday’s kickoff at Empower Field is set for 3 p.m. ET.
