FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins, who started 13 games and was third on the team in receptions (46) and receiving yards (550), was placed on injured reserve Saturday, the team announced.
Hollins hadn’t practiced all week after suffering an abdominal injury. Hollins, 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, was coming off a seven-catch, 69-yard performance in last Sunday’s win over the Baltimore Ravens that clinched a playoff berth for New England (12-3). He was likely injured during the game at some point, although he didn’t leave the game early and played 49 of a possible 74 snaps.
This season, Hollins has played 68 percent of the Patriots’ offensive snaps, more than any receiver. His size and catch radius (especially on deep crossing routes) have helped quarterback Drake Maye complete a league-leading 70.9% of his passes (minimum 150 attempts). The Patriots also counted on Hollins to provide a physical edge in the running game.
On Friday, coach Mike Vrabel praised Hollins, 32, who made headlines for his preference to arrive at games barefoot, for his team-first approach.
“He has an energy about him,” Vrabel said. “And seeing him on Sunday night with the passion he had to help us win; we’ll obviously miss him. I always appreciated his willingness to learn what we do but also be a leader for some of the younger guys.”
The Patriots don’t have another receiver on their roster with Hollins’ physical build. Veteran receiver Stefon Diggs leads the team with 76 catches for 869 yards. Third-year players Kayshon Boutte (inactive Sunday due to concussion) and DeMario Douglas along with rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III round out the receiver depth chart.
Hollins is required to miss at least four games, meaning he would not be eligible to play until the start of the playoffs, if at all. The Patriots visit the New York Jets on Sunday, then finish the regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins.
If the Patriots win their final two games and the Denver Broncos lose their season finale at home to the Los Angeles Chargers, New England would clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
The Patriots signed defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man roster to fill Hollins’ spot on the roster. They also elevated defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III and cornerback Kobee Minor from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
On a related note, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has been cleared from concussion protocol, the Patriots announced. Henderson is listed as questionable and he traveled with the team for Sunday’s game. The Patriots did not elevate a running back to the practice squad, a move that appears to indicate Henderson will return to action on Sunday.
The team also declared guard Jack Westover (illness) questionable for Sunday.
