The Patriots went into the 2025 postseason at the healthiest they had been since the start of the season, as a handful of injured players finally made their return to the starting lineup after missing several games.
One player, however, was still missing and wouldn't be eligible to return until the AFC Championship, if they managed to make it that far, and because they have, he can be activated from injured reserve to play in this week's game. The problem is that Mike Vrabel just announced that it won't be happening ahead of Wednesday's practice.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins was put on IR late in the regular season with an abdominal injury, and because he has to sit out at least four games, it looked like his season was over. But the Patriots continue to defy the odds and have extended their postseason run to the AFC Championship so that he could return this week.
But Vrabel has put that on hold for now, and Hollins won't be practicing just yet.
Mike Vrabel indicates the activation window for Mack Hollins (abdomen) won’t open today. The receiver won’t practice. pic.twitter.com/SM7TVhCkkc
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) January 21, 2026
Fortunately, there's still time for that to change before the game on Sunday, yet it seems more unlikely that he will be activated if he hasn't returned to practice yet.
Mack Hollins is exactly what Drake Maye needs for explosive plays against the Broncos
The Patriots' struggles against the Texans' defense last week were on full display, specifically Drake Maye's turnovers, and some of that will be improved with better protection from the offensive line.
However, the return of Hollins would also help alleviate some of that by giving the quarterback a solid deep threat option, as most defenders would be focused on Stefon Diggs, creating a big opportunity for Hollins to get open.
That's exactly why the veteran was brought in this offseason, so his absence has been frustrating, to say the least. His return would be a massive boost to their offensive success against another very good defensive line, especially given his playoff experience, but we'll have to wait and see whether he can return before this week's game.
If not, maybe the Super Bowl is when we'd see Hollins back on the field, if the Patriots make it there.