The New England Patriots' remarkable season continues as they are set to travel to play the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game this weekend. A trip to the Super Bowl is on the line, and the Pats may have to lean on a rookie receiver, Kyle Williams, following the latest update on Mack Hollins.
Head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media on Monday (h/t @mikekadlick), saying that he "can't be certain" that Hollins (abdomen) will practice this week. He's eligible to be activated off the injured reserve, but the fact that Vrabel wasn't too confident in that aspect shows he may not be ready to return.
Given that information, Williams might have another chance to bounce back after two quiet playoff games.
Kyle Williams Gains the Most from Monday's Mack Hollins Injury Update
In the postseason, Williams has posted just one catch for seven receiving yards on seven targets. He was a non-factor in Sunday's win over the Houston Texans, recording zero stats on three targets.
The rookie WR also couldn't reel in a back-shoulder throw that quarterbackDrake Maye threw with 5:59 left in the fourth quarter. In addition to that miscue, Williams almost dropped a kickoff return. The weather could have played a role in that, as it was snowy, making the ball slippery. Still, that may have been an acceptable excuse in the regular season, but not in the playoffs.
Nonetheless, the Patriots may be forced to lean on him once again in the AFC Championship. Kayshon Boutte and Stefon Diggs are the two top receivers for this team, but that third spot is up for grabs. It's between Williams, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III.
Williams has out-snapped both Douglas and Chism III over the last three weeks, which is an indicator of how the staff feels about him. The Patriots have faith in the young receiver, and with Hollins' status up in the air, he could have a chance to redeem himself.
This season has been inconsistent for the Washington State product, as he has logged 10 catches for 209 receiving yards and three touchdowns during the regular season. The 23-year-old has shown he can be a downfield threat for this team, but that hasn't been done regularly.
Williams has room to grow as a player for sure, and it'd be great if that growth happened as early as this weekend. The Pats need an all-hands-on-deck approach to go into Empower Field at Mile High and get the win, leaving time to tell how Williams will factor into the outcome — good or bad.