The New England Patriots suffered another injury to their pass-catching corps on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills: Mack Hollins.
Hollins left the game in the third quarter after suffering a non-contact calf injury and did not return. Before leaving the game, the ten-year vet was quarterback Drake Maye‘s vertical threat down the field with three catches for 53 yards.
Earlier today, head coach Mike Vrabel spoke on Hollins’ injury:
“I don’t know if he’ll be able to practice here for a couple days, but again, I don’t have every detail,” said Vrabel.
“I’ll get in there with Jim [Whalen] here afterwards and kind of see where we are and then make sure we have guys that are ready to go, and everybody’s preparing as a starter… We know the energy that Mack brings, and [the] next guy has to be ready to go.”
Next Man Up
With Mack Hollins’ injury status up in the air, Romeo Doubs will likely shift to Hollins’ ‘X’ receiver position, where he has years of experience with the Packers. This also means that Week 4’s unsung hero, Efton Chism, will shift to the slot receiver role to cover the short and intermediate routes alongside Demario ‘Pop’ Douglas.
Look for the team’s other pass catchers, such as Kyle Williams and Eli Raridon, to get more reps in with quarterback Drake Maye in practice, as Hollins has been one of Maye’s consistent and trusted weapons this season.
Hollins’ absence on Sunday would be a huge blow to the offense. Not only is he one of Maye’s most trusted receivers, but with his 6′ 4″, 221-lb frame, he could also hold his own as a blocker.
Hollins’ injury forces New England’s offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to pivot his game plan as New England prepares for another heavyweight matchup with the 3-1 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
