NFL: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Oct 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The New England Patriots could be getting an important piece of their receiving corps back at practice in NFL week 9. Mack Hollins is expected to practice Wednesday, giving the team some optimism as it continues navigating multiple injuries at wide receiver. His potential return would be a significant boost, particularly with A.J. Brown’s availability for Week 9 still uncertain.
Patriots WR Mack Hollins is expected to practice on Wednesday. https://t.co/2l8IR3jXxj
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 4, 2026
Hollins has missed the last four games after landing on injured reserve with a calf injury. However, the veteran receiver was one of New England’s most productive pass catchers early in the season, recording 15 receptions for 209 yards across his first four games.
MORE:
Mack Hollins could provide a much-needed boost
Dec 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) celebrates a catch against Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) with New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first half of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Hollins is expected to return to practice Wednesday. That would open a 21-day window for the Patriots to activate him from injured reserve, giving the team some flexibility as it evaluates his readiness.
Hollins could potentially return as soon as Sunday’s Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, although practicing Wednesday does not guarantee he will be available for the game.
Getting Hollins back would be especially valuable with New England dealing with multiple injuries at the position. The receiver was a consistent contributor before his calf injury, and his return would give quarterback Drake Maye another experienced option.
The Patriots have continued finding ways to win despite the injuries, including their 24-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. However, getting additional help at wide receiver would make life easier for the offense moving forward.
MORE:
A.J. Brown’s status remains uncertain
NFL: New York Jets at New England Patriots
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Another major question for New England is the availability of A.J. Brown. The wide receiver missed Sunday’s win over Miami with a knee injury, and head coach Mike Vrabel has not provided a definitive timetable for his return.
When asked about Brown’s chances of practicing this week, Vrabel said the team would see how he progresses. That leaves his status for Sunday’s game against Green Bay up in the air.
The Patriots would certainly benefit from having both Brown and Hollins available, but even getting one of them back would be encouraging news for a receiving corps that has been dealing with several absences.
Hollins’ expected return to practice is an important development. Whether he is ready to play in Week 9 remains to be seen, but his potential availability could give New England’s offense a welcome boost.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—