The New England Patriots added another player to injured reserve this week, with wide receiver Mack Hollins being tagged with an abdominal injury. With the team placing Hollins on IR at this point in the season, he won’t be able to return until what would be the AFC Championship Game if New England can make it that far.
In many ways, the veteran wide receiver became the heart and soul of the team this season, so to lose him now, just ahead of the playoffs, is a significant loss for the Patriots. Since returning from the bye week, Hollins has been one of Drake Maye’s top options, collecting 11 receptions on 17 targets for 110 yards over the last two weeks.
On the season, Hollins totaled 46 receptions for 550 yards and scored two touchdowns. He’s been used more creatively than any other receiver during the season, lining up as a fullback, tight end, and having a rushing attempt earlier in the season. What Hollins has been most valuable for this season is as a blocker, whether it’s in the run game or making an extra block for his teammates running down the field.
Patriots' Hollins On IR, Will Miss Most of Playoffs and Contract Incentives
With Hollins being placed on IR at this point in the season, he will miss out on a couple of incentives included in his contract. He was only four receptions away from a $400,000 bonus, and he’ll miss out on $100,000 for not being available in the final two games of the season, according to Spotrac. He signed a free agent contract this past offseason for two years at a total of $8.4 million.
Although the Patriots have depth at wide receiver, not having Hollins for the playoffs is truly a big loss for the offense. He’s the tallest receiver on the team and has shown to be a safety valve for Maye when he needs to make a play. Without Hollins, it’ll likely be rookie Kyle Williams who be tasked with stepping up in his absence. It’s worth mentioning that Kayshon Boutte is currently in the concussion protocol, leaving his status uncertain moving forward in the final weeks of the regular season.
Williams has seen an uptick in his production after a slow start to his rookie season. He’s only totaled seven receptions on 16 targets for 189 yards and scored three touchdowns. His speed makes him a big-play, deep threat option for Maye, who wants to take shots down the field, and he’s capable of doing it.
DeMario Douglas should also see more time on the field with Hollins on IR. It’s going to take everyone on the team to level up with the playoffs around the corner. The Patriots did all they could to manage injuries throughout the season, but it’s starting to pile up at the worst possible time, with the playoffs only weeks away.