The New England Patriots saw wide receiver Mack Hollins depart Sunday’s game early with a calf injury.
While the Patriots await more information to determine the severity of the injury, head coach Mike Vrabel is preparing to potentially be without the veteran in the short term.
“I think we’ll probably know more here in a little bit,” Vrabel said Monday morning. “I don’t know if he’ll be able to practice here for a couple days. But again, I don’t have every detail. I’ll get in there with [the training
staff] afterwards and kinda see where we are, and make sure we have guys that are ready to go and everybody is preparing as a starter. We know the energy that Mack brings. The next guy has to be ready to go.”
In Hollins’ absence Sunday, wide receiver Efton Chism III played a season-high 34 offensive snaps in relief. Chism made the most of the opportunity, hauling in two catches for 42 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
The performance could set Chism up for a larger role moving forward.
“Of course. That’s what happens. Guys continue to take advantage of their opportunities, they get more opportunities,” Vrabel said. “We’ve been finding ways to work Chiz in there previously. It’s a balance, but certainly did a lot of things well and I know that he’ll continue to do things well for us and continue to know a bunch of different spots.”
The Patriots are already without A.J. Brown in the wide receiver room, as the veteran remains on injured reserve through at least next week. Hollins’ absence would leave just Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Chism on the active roster.
Undrafted rookies Cameron Dorner and Kyle Dixon, in addition to Chandler Brayboy, are currently on the practice squad.
Vrabel did not rule out the Patriots searching for external additions at the position.
“Sure. Anybody that can help us, we’ll go exploring here shortly,” Vrabel said.
