The New England Patriots look to return to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 2018, when Tom Brady was under center. However, the Pats must get past the Houston Texans in the divisional round on Sunday afternoon.
If New England can advance to the AFC title game to face the Denver Broncos next week, they could be getting back a familiar face in the passing game. In his weekly notes column, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins is eligible to start practicing next week after landing on injured reserve on Dec. 27.
Reiss adds the veteran pass catcher has been seen on the sideline during games and is “more visible in the locker room during media access periods of late.”
If you’re a Pats fan, this is great news, as you can never have too many pass-catching options at this point in the season. The 32-year-old Hollins is quietly having one of the best years of his career in New England.
Before going on injured reserve with an abdomen, Hollins racked up 46 receptions (65 targets) for 550 yards and two touchdowns. That being said, if Hollins does come back and is activated, it could suddenly kick rookie wideout Efton Chism III to the curb.
Efton Chism III’s Role Could Quickly Change with Mack Hollins Return News
When Hollins was sent to injured reserve following the Patriots’ Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens, it opened the door for undrafted free agent rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III.
Chism III quickly made a name for himself during the rookie minicamp, mandatory minicamp, and the preseason, making it hard for the Patriots to cut him. Chism III didn’t make his debut until Week 6, where he handled kick return duties.
The former Eastern Washington wide receiver didn’t make his first regular-season catch until Week 17 against the New York Jets, where he also scored his first touchdown. Chism had two receptions (two targets) for 40 yards and played 41 offensive snaps.
He followed that up with a 35-yard catch in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins and a 20-yard reception in the wildcard win last week over the Los Angeles Chargers. He also averaged 24 yards on two kick returns.
Over his last three games, Chism III has played 81 offensive snaps compared to only 12 special teams snaps.
If the Patriots beat the Texans, and Hollins is healthy enough to practice in some capacity next week, it will put head coach Mike Vrabel in an interesting spot on how he chooses to juggle the 53-man roster.