Patriots injuries: New England still playing waiting game with Mack Hollins’ health

New England Patriots

“If we do get [Hollins] back, we’re all going to be excited. We’ll throw a party — not a real party.”

FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots might have to wait a little bit longer for one of their top receiving weapons to return to the gridiron. 

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said that wideout Mack Hollins is not cleared to practice quite yet after suffering an abdominal injury against Baltimore on Dec. 21. 

The veteran was eligible to come off injured reserve this week, potentially putting him in play for Sunday’s AFC championship game in Denver. But for now, New England is still waiting things out with their trusty receiver. 

“That won’t happen today, no,” Mike Vrabel said of Hollins’ availability in practice. “I would not anticipate Mack being out there.”

While Hollins has yet to be activated, New England also practiced without tight end Hunter Henry, right tackle Morgan Moses, outside linebacker Harold Landry, linebacker Marte Mapu, inside linebacker Christian Elliss and backup offensive lineman Thayer Munford Jr.  on Wednesday. 

Only Landry (knee) and Mapu (hip) were ruled as non-participants on Wednesday’s injury report, while Hollins remains on injured reserve. 

Hollins’ potential return on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High would be a welcome sight for New England. 

The 6-foot-4 receiver has been a reliable pass-catching target for Drake Maye — reeling in 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns. Hollins is also an effective blocker in the run game, given his imposing frame. 

Given both his unique skillset and the energy he brings on and off the field, Stefon Diggs is looking forward to getting Hollins back on the gridiron at some point. 

“We’ve all been waiting for Mack,” Diggs said. “It’s something we talk about almost every other day. When we see Mack, everybody is happy to see Mack. Mack has that infectious energy. He approaches the game the right way. We miss him. That’s our brother. If we get him back, that’d be great. If we don’t, those guys are going to continue to have to step up.”

If Hollins isn’t cleared for Sunday, the Patriots will likely turn to Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III for more snaps as outside targets or run blockers. 

“I think the guys have stepped up and done a great job, but if we do get [Hollins] back, we’re all going to be excited,” Diggs said. “We’ll throw a party — not a real party.”

Beyond Hollins’ status, the Patriots are also dealing with an injury at the cornerback position. Veteran defensive back Carlton Davis took part in practice in a non-contact jersey after suffering a concussion on Sunday against the Texans. 

Davis could still be on track to play on Sunday if he clears the proper concussion protocols, with the veteran coming off a two-interception performance against the Texans.  

Here’s a look at the injury reports for both the Patriots and Broncos on Wednesday: 

PATRIOTS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

LB Harold Landry III – Knee 
LB Marte Mapu – Hip

LIMITED 

Carlton Davis III – Concussion Protocol
LB Christian Elliss – Hip
TE Hunter Henry – Not Injury Related / Rest
T Morgan Moses – Not Injury Related / Rest
T Thayer Munford Jr. – Knee

FULL PARTICIPATION

DT Joshua Farmer* – Hamstring
RB TreVeyon Henderson – Shoulder
RB Terrell Jennings* – Passed Concussion Protocol
LB Robert Spillane – Hand

*player currently on IR

BRONCOS 

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

QB Bo Nix – Ankle

LIMITED 

WR Pat Bryant – Concussion
RB J.K. Dobbins – Foot
C Alex Forsyth – Ankle
WR Troy Franklin – Hamstring

FULL PARTICIPATION 

T Frank Crum – Ankle
TE Lucas Krull – Foot
LB Drew Sanders – Ankle
S JL Skinner – Quad
C Luke Wattenberg – Shoulder

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.