Patriots Get Much-Needed Offensive Boost Ahead Of Packers Game image

Patriots Activate WR Mack Hollins From Injured Reserve for Packers Game

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The New England Patriots are heading into Sunday’s high-stakes matchup against the Green Bay Packers with a bolstered receiving corps.

On Saturday, the team officially activated wide receiver Mack Hollins from injured reserve to the 53-man roster, adding experience to a lineup facing several injuries.

The move, first reported by NESN, arrives at a critical juncture for the Patriots’ offensive unit. New England is set to face the Packers without wide receiver A.J. Brown, who has been ruled out due to lingering knee and ankle injuries. The team also lacks Romeo Doubs, who continues to recover on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Hollins’ return offers quarterback Drake Maye a reliable, veteran target at a time when the offense has been forced to shuffle its personnel. Before his four-game absence due to a calf injury, the 6-foot-4 receiver had established himself as a focal point of the passing game, leading the team with 15 receptions and 209 receiving yards across the first four weeks of the season.

Beyond his raw production, Hollins brings a physical dimension to the field that the Patriots have missed. His ability to contribute as a run blocker provides the coaching staff with tactical flexibility, allowing for more diverse personnel groupings.

His presence is also expected to alleviate some of the pressure on younger receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III, potentially allowing them to operate more effectively from the slot rather than handling heavy outside workloads.

While the activation is a positive development for New England, the team is exercising caution regarding Hollins’ immediate workload. He spent the week participating in limited practices and was officially listed as questionable heading into the weekend. His availability on Sunday will likely be monitored closely to ensure his calf holds up under the intensity of game-speed action.

The timing of this roster adjustment highlights the ongoing volatility of the Patriots’ 2026 campaign, where injuries have frequently forced the team to rely on depth players. By bringing a veteran like Hollins back into the fold, the organization is clearly prioritizing stability and experience as they look to remain competitive against a formidable Green Bay defense.

As the team prepares for kickoff, the focus shifts to how effectively Maye can utilize his newly reunited target to exploit gaps in the Packers’ secondary. Whether Hollins can replicate his early-season output remains an open question, but his mere presence on the active roster provides a much-needed tactical boost for a team fighting to maintain its offensive momentum.

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