Patriots place WR Mack Hollins on IR, putting playoff availability in jeopardy
Mack Hollins' IR designation means he will miss at least four games, with the earliest chance to return in the AFC Championship Game.
With Mack Hollins going to injured reserve, the earliest he could return in the playoffs is the AFC Championship Game. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
The New England Patriots placed receiver Mack Hollins on injured reserve, the team announced Saturday, ending his regular-season and putting his playoff availability in jeopardy.
Hollins did not participate in practice Wednesday because of an abdominal injury and on Thursday was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. His IR designation means he will miss at least the next four games, with his earliest chance to return being in the AFC Championship Game.
New England (12-3) already clinched a playoff spot and is currently the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The Patriots end the regular season on the road against the Jets and at home against the Dolphins.
Patriots place WR Mack Hollins on injured reserve, sign DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr. to the 53-man roster & elevate DB Kobee Minor and DL Leonard Taylor III to the active roster. pic.twitter.com/FDw70dNDTD
— x – New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 27, 2025
The Patriots signed Hollins in free agency last offseason. He had 46 receptions for 550 yards this season, both totals third-best on the team. He also scored two touchdowns.
New England has already been juggling a lengthy injury report. Hollins and Kyle Williams bounced between three wide receiver positions because of injuries to other players in a 28-24 win against the Baltimore Ravens last week. Nine Patriots were injured in that Sunday night matchup.
Receiver Kayshon Boutte is also out against the Jets while in concussion protocol, and Demario Douglas is questionable with a hamstring injury. Leading receiver Stefon Diggs is coming off one of his best games of the year against the Ravens, but the other options for Drake Maye in the passing game are limited.
Along with Hollins’ injury designation, the Patriots also announced Saturday that they were signing defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. to the 53-man roster and elevating defensive back Kobee Minor and defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III to the active roster.
Jayna Bardahl is a staff writer for The Athletic. She has worked as an editor and reporter covering Big Ten football and men's basketball, and was an intern at The Boston Globe, where she covered the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Follow Jayna on Twitter