Patriots Place Key Player On Injured Reserve

The New England Patriots have clinched a playoff berth and are looking to win the AFC East. However, they have just placed a key player on injured reserve.

On Saturday, New England announced that Mack Hollins was placed on injured reserve. He was added to the injury report due to an abdominal injury this week, but now the Patriots will be without him for at least four weeks.

Hollins has been a great addition for the Patriots. He is third on the team in receptions and receiving yards. He has played 68% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps, which is more than any of the other receivers on the team.

The Patriots do not have a direct replacement for what Hollins brings to the team. He is 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, and is a big presence down the field and in the air. His size also plays a role in the run game, where he has been key as a blocker. Without him, the Patriots will need their young crop of receivers behind Stefon Diggs to step up.

The Patriots signed defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man roster as the corresponding move for Hollins. Hollins’ absence may be felt even more this week, with Kayshon Boutte already ruled out and Demario Douglas questionable.

The Patriots could clinch the AFC East this week with a win and a loss by the Buffalo Bills. The No. 1 seed is also up for grabs, but the Patriots will need the Denver Broncos to lose in their regular-season finale. Without Hollins, the Patriots will be shorthanded the rest of the way.

Losing Hollins is a major blow, and the Patriots will need to make a deep playoff run to see him on the field again this season. He could be eligible to return for the AFC Championship Game or the Super Bowl if the Patriots get there.