Patriots activate WR Mack Hollins ahead of AFC Championship matchup with Broncos
New England activated wide receiver Mack Hollins from injured reserve ahead of the January 25 AFC Championship against Denver, giving the Patriots another experienced target as they chase a Super Bowl berth.
A timely boost ahead of a high-stakes Sunday
The New England Patriots added a key piece to their offense ahead of the AFC Championship Game, activating wide receiver Mack Hollins from injured reserve. Hollins had missed recent games with an abdominal injury, and his return gives the Patriots a veteran option as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos on Sunday, January 25, 2026 in Denver.
Roster moves this late in the season are usually about narrow margins: an extra third-down route, a reliable perimeter blocker, or a receiver who can win a contested ball when defenses tighten. For New England, the decision signals confidence that Hollins is healthy enough to contribute in a game where the winner advances to Super Bowl LX.
How Hollins fits into the Patriots’ plan
Before the injury, Hollins had been a meaningful part of the Patriots’ passing game, and his presence can help spread targets and reduce pressure on the team’s top options. Against a Denver defense expected to generate pressure and force quick decisions, additional dependable receiving depth can be as important as a headline star.
The Patriots’ offense has leaned on timing and efficiency in this playoff run, and a returning receiver can expand personnel groupings while creating better matchups. Even if Hollins is on a managed snap count, his availability changes how Denver has to prepare for formations, red-zone packages, and third-down concepts.
Championship Sunday context
The AFC title game is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, with kickoff in the afternoon in Denver. With both teams seeking a Super Bowl trip, health and depth often decide the late-game moments: fatigue, minor injuries, and the cumulative toll of the season can swing matchups that look even on paper.
For New England, activating Hollins is one more attempt to ensure that if the game comes down to a handful of plays—one drive, one conversion, one red-zone snap—they have the widest possible set of tools available.