The New England Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills with a huge 29-26 win, however, they may have picked up another problem along the way. Veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins left Sunday’s game with a calf injury and didn’t return.
With A.J. Brown, already on injured reserve, Hollins has become an important part of Drake Maye’s receiving group. Now, the Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel’s first update on the injury has raised some questions about whether Hollins will be ready for Week 5.
Mack Hollins’ Calf Injury Creates Another Problem for the New England Patriots
Hollins suffered the injury during the second half against the Bills. He had already made an impact before leaving, catching three of four targets for 53 yards, including a 26-yard reception. He was seen leaving the field after appearing to hurt the calf while running a route.
Speaking on October 5, Vrabel did admit that the Patriots still do not have a clear picture of the situation. The head coach said the team would learn more after he met with the training staff.
“I think we’ll probably know more here in a little bit. I don’t know if he’ll be able to practice here for a couple days. But again, I don’t have every detail. I’ll get in there with [the training staff] afterwards and kinda see where we are, and make sure we have guys that are ready to go… We know the energy that Mack brings. The next guy has to be ready to go.”
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel says veteran WR Mack Hollins might not be able to practice over the next couple of days.
“I think we’ll probably know more here in a little bit. I don’t know if he’ll be able to practice here for a couple days. But again, I don’t have every detail. I’ll… pic.twitter.com/76hWblYs7m
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 5, 2026
That last part could become important quickly. The Patriots are scheduled to host the Las Vegas Raiders on October 11, and they could suddenly be looking at a much thinner receiver room. Brown remains on injured reserve, while Hollins may miss at least part of the practice week.
Hollins has been one of Maye’s more reliable targets since Brown went down. Through four games, he has 15 catches for 209 yards, giving the Patriots a veteran presence on an offense that has already had to adjust to Brown’s absence.
His role became even more valuable during Sunday’s comeback. Before leaving, the veteran was one of the receivers helping Maye move the ball against the Bills, and his absence forced the Patriots to lean on the rest of the group.
Romeo Doubs caught two touchdown passes against the Bills, while Efton Chism III delivered the play that decided the game. Chism’s 23-yard touchdown catch with 1:50 left gave the Patriots a 29-26 lead, and they held on from there.
Chism could now be in line for more work if Hollins cannot practice early in the week. The second-year receiver already showed he can handle a big moment, even after Bills defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson dismissed him as a “practice squad player” following the game.
However, that does not necessarily replace what Hollins brings. The 33-year-old has been giving Maye a dependable option while Brown remains sidelined, and losing both receivers would leave New England with less margin for error.
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