Patriots place veteran WR Mack Hollins on IR with calf injury

Why Mack Hollins is trending

Mack Hollins is trending because the Patriots put him on injured reserve Saturday with a calf injury. He hopped off the field on his right foot in the third quarter of last Sunday's win over the Buffalo Bills, and the club confirmed the calf issue afterward. Hollins leads the team with 15 catches for 209 yards this season, so losing him is a real hit to a receiver room that was already thin.

What isn't known yet is a timetable. The team has not given a return date. Hollins said Wednesday, before the move became official, that he's pushing to get back and added, "You have to stay out of your own way sometimes." What happens next: the Patriots host the Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS with four healthy receivers on the roster, and Hollins stays out until he's activated off IR.

What happened to Hollins

Hollins' workload grew after New England lost top target A.J. Brown to a high-ankle sprain in the season opener. In Hollins' 10th NFL season, he had become the Patriots' most productive receiver by target share before the calf injury ended his week early against Buffalo. He left that game on his own power but limping, and the team held him out ahead of Sunday's placement on IR.

Patriots down to four receivers

With Hollins on IR, New England's active receiver group is down to Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams for Sunday's game against Las Vegas. Brown, who has been more visible around the locker room in recent weeks, is eligible to be designated for return from his own IR stint next week, which would ease the shortage somewhat.

More moves on a thin roster

Hollins wasn't the only move. New England also placed veteran fullback Reggie Gilliam on injured reserve, the 19th player the Patriots have put on IR this season, already more than the team's 2025 total during its run to the Super Bowl. Special teams player Brenden Schooler was activated off the non-football injury list, and seven-year cornerback Kindle Vildor was signed to the 53-man roster off the practice squad. That signing matters because the Patriots have already ruled out four cornerbacks for Sunday, including starters Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III. Linebacker K.J. Britt and rookie safety Elliott Davison were also elevated from the practice squad, mainly for special teams work. New England is 2-2 and hosts the 3-1 Raiders Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS.

Facts per ESPN. Opinion is the taproom's.