Overview
- Mack Hollins returned to Patriots practice on Wednesday, which opened the NFL-mandated 21-day window for the team to activate him to the 53-man roster.
- Hollins was placed on injured reserve after a non-contact calf injury suffered in the Oct. 4 win at Buffalo and missed four games before becoming eligible to return.
- Through four games this season Hollins led New England with 15 catches for 209 yards and is valued by coaches for blocking and veteran leadership as well as pass catching.
- The Patriots could activate Hollins in time for the Nov. 8 home game against the Green Bay Packers, a near-term roster option while A.J. Brown’s status remains uncertain and Romeo Doubs stays on IR.
- New England still has several IR activations left but they are finite, so Hollins’ possible return will factor into short-term game plans and choices about which injured players to bring back later in the season.