Patriots Activate WR Mack Hollins From IR With A.J. Brown Out vs. Packers
New England gets a veteran receiver back for Sunday's game against Green Bay after Hollins' calf injury, with Brown and TreVeyon Henderson both sidelined
Mack Hollins is back on the Patriots' active roster. New England activated the veteran receiver from injured reserve Saturday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, finishing a return that started when Hollins came back to practice this week.
The timing is the story. A.J. Brown has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers with a knee injury, and he has been unable to stay on the field for most of the season. Without him, the Patriots' receiver room has leaned on DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism and Kyle Williams. Hollins doesn't replace Brown's talent, but he gives the offense a dependable veteran body at a position where the depth has been stretched.
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet): Now officially activated.
Hollins landed on IR with a calf injury earlier this season. Before that, he had seven catches for 89 yards and a touchdown as a rotational receiver, and his value goes beyond the box score as a blocker and a respected presence in the locker room. Rapoport described him as a "glue guy" for New England when he reported the practice return.
The offense is short-handed in the backfield too. TreVeyon Henderson is out after being hospitalized with unexplained neurological symptoms, so the Patriots will be without two of their more dynamic skill players on Sunday.
New England (5-3) hosts Green Bay (5-3) on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.