Injured Patriots weapon returns to practice just in time for AFC Championship

We're just a few days away from the Patriots heading to Denver to face the No. 1 seed Broncos in the AFC Championship, and things are going in their favor with injured players returning to practice at the most vital time.

Although cornerback Carlton Davis III's status is still up in the air, as he was wearing a non-contact jersey on Thursday, it looks like receiver Mack Hollins could return this weekend, as his 21-day return window from injured reserve appears to have been opened this afternoon.

He has spent the past month on IR, recovering from an abdominal injury that he suffered at the end of the regular season. Hollins could be exactly what the Patriots' offense has been missing in the playoffs, and now there's a good chance he will be on the field at Mile High.

After an offensive disaster against the Texans in the divisional round, giving Drake Maye another reliable option will be key to moving the chains.

Mack Hollins can be a difference maker for the Patriots' offense against the Broncos

The addition of Hollins in free agency went mostly under the radar last offseason, with Patriots fans not overly thrilled with the new regime's choice to sign him. Because he wasn't a big-name like Stefon Diggs, there was some initial hesitancy to get behind him, but he has proven time and time again that he is that deep threat option that Maye can utilize on game day.

In his absence, we've seen Kayshon Boutte and Diggs be that guy for their quarterback, which has been good, so Hollins' return even better.

That will create different opportunities for the other receivers and allow Hollins to do what he does best and help the offense get big plays going and move down the field, which is not something that came easily against a brutal Houston defense.

They'll deal with a similar fate against the Broncos, who are arguably one of the best units in the NFL this season. That makes Hollins' return even more crucial, and hopefully, he will be able to suit up on Sunday and help his team move on to the Super Bowl.