Mack Hollins injury update: Patriots get big boost for AFC title game

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Mack Hollins injury update: Patriots get big boost for AFC title game

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Sat, Jan 24, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The Patriots ’ offense will be at full strength in the AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos .

On Saturday, the team activated receiver Mack Hollins from the injured reserve. The veteran has missed the last four games due to an abdominal injury. This move gives Drake Maye one of his top targets in a matchup against one of the best defenses in the NFL.

In addition, the Patriots moved defensive tackle Eric Gregory to IR. They elevated running back D’Ernest Johnson and defensive end Leonard Taylor III to the active roster and released receiver Trent Sherfield from the practice squad.

Hollins started 13 of 15 games played this season. He finished third on the Patriots in receptions (46) and receiving yards (550) to go with two receiving touchdowns. He suffered an abdominal injury in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens . Hollins caught seven passes for 69 yards that game and ended up on the injured reserve the next week.

Hollins practiced two days this week with the Patriots on Thursday and Friday. He then made the trip to Denver as the Patriots ruled out two players, Josh Farmer and Terrell Jennings , who are also on the injured reserve.

This week, multiple Patriots players said it was nice to have Hollins back on the practice field.

“Man, Mack’s been awesome. It’s been awesome having him back,” Maye said on Friday. “He’s a great player for us, been a great player for us all year. He practices hard. He’s one of those guys that brings it every day and has ever since I met him. I know he started off in OTAs and training camp battling a little injury, but since then, he’s been all gas, no brakes, and that’s how he is.

“He’s staying, running routes after practice. He’s doing all the little things. I always see him before the games on Saturday nights, drawing every single play up in the pass plays. He does those things, and you can tell why so many different teams wanted him and how he plays at a high level.”

This offseason, Hollins signed a 2-year, $8.4 million contract with the Patriots. The 32-year-old receiver instantly provided the offense with a solid No. 3 option and an above-average run blocker.

By signing with the Patriots, Hollins reunited with Josh McDaniels, who was his head coach in Las Vegas . During that season, in 2022, Hollins set a career-high with 57 receptions and 690 yards for the Raiders. This season, he finished with the second-most catches and receiving yards in his eight-year NFL career.

The Patriots’ offense will have its hands full in Sunday’s conference title game. The Broncos ended the regular season with one of the best defensive units in the NFL, ranked third in scoring, second in rush defense, and seventh in pass defense. They also led the NFL in sacks.

Having Hollins back in the fold should only help Maye and the offense.

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