The New England Patriots’ depleted wide receiver group is about to receive a boost.
Mack Hollins, who has missed the last four weeks on injured reserve, will make his return to practice on Wednesday. According to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Patriots will open his 21-day window to rejoin the active roster.
Hollins, 33, was placed on injured reserve following New England’s Week 4 win over the Buffalo Bills due to a calf injury. Up until that point, he had played 63% of the team’s offensive
snaps and been on the receiving end of 15 catches for 209 yards.
His return to practice will be a big step for player and team alike. Hollins is not only a starter-caliber wide receiver and locker room leader for the Patriots, but also was part of a group of three wideouts who recently were forced to miss time. During last Sunday’s 24-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Hollins was joined on the sidelines by A.J. Brown (knee) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder; IR).
In the three veterans’ absence, New England relied on a trio of Efton Chism, Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas. The trio combined to catch nine passes for 156 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Week 8.
The Patriots will host the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium this week. They will release their first injury report leading up to the Nov. 8 contest on Wednesday afternoon.
