One game stands in the way of the New England Patriots returning to the Super Bowl. After earning wins against the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans, the Patriots get ready to take on the Denver Broncos this weekend.
Unlike the prior two games, the Patriots will be on the road for the AFC Championship Game, which means they'll need all hands on deck if they want to overcome the Broncos in the Mile High City.
A story to follow leading up to the Broncos game will be the health of veteran wideout Mack Hollins. Hollins was placed on injured reserve with an abdominal issue following a Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens, where the Patriots clinched a spot in the playoffs. Through 15 games, Hollins had 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be someone New England would rather have on the field than off it this weekend.
In his place, undrafted rookie Efton Chism started seeing more time on the field. With Hollins down, Chism took on a bigger role; however, that opportunity could be snatched away from the undrafted rookie if his veteran counterpart keeps trending in the right direction.
Efton Chism Facing Uncertain Future After Latest Mack Hollins Injury News
On Thursday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported that Hollins was "present at the media-access portion of practice, indicating that his clock has started on his return from IR."
Getting Hollins back would be a big win for the Patriots, as Hollins was putting together one of his better receiving seasons and the benefits of his run-blocking. Since he returned to practice today, his 21-day window to return from injured reserve has opened.
With Hollins sidelined in the final two games, Chism recorded three catches for 75 yards and one touchdown across 67 offensive snaps. He then managed a 20-yard catch in the Patriots' Wild Card win before laying a goose egg against the Texans in the Divisional Round.
Given Thursday's news regarding Hollins, Chism could be demoted back to being a healthy scratch. If not, he's in danger of seeing something closer to the 4.2 offensive snaps per game he averaged in six outings before Hollins got hurt.
While Chism has filled in admirably, he wouldn't have a role in the offense with Hollins back. Besides, the Patriots could use the expert blocking that 32-year-old playmaker brings to the table, being an asset to both quarterback Drake Maye's mobility and the running back room behind him.
Hopefully for the Patriots, Hollins can return to the starting lineup for the Broncos game. If he can't go, should New England advance to the Super Bowl, Hollins would more than likely be ready for action.
Either way, it looks like Chism's time in the spotlight will end sooner rather than later.