Patriots Face Important Mack Hollins Decision Before Packers Game
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The New England Patriots have a significant roster decision to make Saturday, and the outcome could directly affect Drake Maye's options against the Green Bay Packers.
Veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins returned to practice this week after spending time on injured reserve with a calf injury. New England must activate Hollins to its 53-man roster by 4 p.m. ET Saturday if it wants him available for Sunday's game at Gillette Stadium.
The timing matters because the Patriots already have ruled out A.J. Brown with ankle and knee injuries. Tight end Hunter Henry also remains questionable with a foot injury, leaving New England facing the possibility of playing without two of Maye's most important receiving options.
Hollins Could Fill A Significant Void
Before his injury, Hollins had emerged as a dependable part of New England's passing attack. He led the team with 15 receptions and 209 receiving yards through the first four weeks, providing Maye with an experienced target capable of working across different areas of the field.
Patriots Saturday 🏈🚶♂️Day-before-game walkthrough 🕐⭐️1p Rob Gronkowski Patriots Hall induction (free, open to public) 🕓🛗4p deadline roster moves/p-squad elevations NOTES: WR Mack Hollins top option to fill open spot...RB Corey Kiner - rallying behind TreVeyon Henderson.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 7, 2026
The 6-foot-4 receiver also contributes as a blocker, an important part of his value in an offense that needs to establish balance. His potential return would not completely replace Brown's ability to stretch defenses, but it could give New England another experienced option on important downs.
There is still uncertainty about Hollins' readiness. He practiced on a limited basis Friday and carries a questionable designation, meaning an activation would not automatically guarantee that he plays Sunday.
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Saturday Brings Another Roster Question
Offensive lineman Greg Van Roten also returned to practice this week and faces the same activation deadline. Both veterans are eligible to return from injured reserve, but the Patriots entered the weekend with only one open roster spot.
Activating both players would require an additional roster move. New England also must consider its practice-squad elevations and the availability of several other questionable players before finalizing its game-day plans.
For Hollins, the opportunity is straightforward. The Patriots need receiving help, and he already has demonstrated chemistry with Maye this season.
The decision now belongs to Mike Vrabel and New England's personnel staff. Saturday's roster moves could reveal how much confidence the Patriots have in their veteran receiver's ability to contribute against Green Bay.