What is Mack Hollins injury status for AFC Championship?

Mack Hollins injury status: Abdominal setback clouds practice but return still possible
Mack Hollins injury status remains uncertain. He did not clear Wednesday practice after an abdominal injury against Baltimore on December 21.
However, he is eligible to come off injured reserve this week. A return could still be possible for Sunday’s AFC Championship at Empower Field at Mile High.
Patriots coaches and teammates sound cautiously optimistic because Hollins brings size and playmaking ability. His 46 receptions for 550 yards underscore that value.
Mike Vrabel said he would not anticipate Hollins practicing today. The team will monitor him through the week.
Meanwhile, this report previews updates across both sidelines. It breaks down Patriots practice statuses, including Carlton Davis III’s concussion protocol. The update also lists players who were limited, did not participate, or rested.
It will cover Broncos notes as well, including Bo Nix’s ankle absence and J.K. Dobbins’ limited work. Therefore, expect day-to-day updates on availability and game planning. For now, hope remains but contingency plans are in place.

Mack Hollins injury status: abdominal injury and practice update
Mack Hollins injury status remains day-to-day after he failed to clear Wednesday practice. He suffered an abdominal injury against Baltimore on December 21, and the team listed him as not cleared. However, he is eligible to come off injured reserve this week, which keeps a return possible.
Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed Hollins’ availability. “That won’t happen today, no,” Mike Vrabel said of Hollins’ availability in practice. “I would not anticipate Mack being out there.” His comments set a cautious tone, and coaches will monitor Hollins all week.
Teammates have reacted with hope. “We’ve all been waiting for Mack,” Stefon Diggs said. “It’s something we talk about almost every other day. When we see Mack, everybody is happy to see Mack. Mack has that infectious energy. He approaches the game the right way. We miss him. That’s our brother. If we get him back, that’d be great. If we don’t, those guys are going to continue to have to step up.” Diggs added levity. “If Hollins back, we’re all going to be excited,” Diggs said. “We’ll throw a party — not a real party.”
Medical and roster context
- Injury type: abdominal injury suffered December 21 against Baltimore.
- Practice status: not cleared to practice Wednesday; day-to-day monitoring.
- Roster status: remains on injured reserve but eligible to be activated this week.
- Game outlook: return is possible for Sunday’s AFC Championship at Empower Field at Mile High.
- Season production: 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns.
- Physical profile: 6-foot-4, a physical target in the red zone.
Because Hollins offers size and contested-catch ability, his presence would alter game plans. However, coaches will prioritize health. If he activates, expect a phased practice plan, and then clearance by medical staff. Meanwhile, backups will prepare to fill his role, and the Patriots will adjust personnel packages accordingly. The team projects cautious optimism, and fans should watch daily injury reports for the final decision.
| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mack Hollins | Patriots | Abdominal (Dec 21) | Did not practice / Not cleared | Remains on injured reserve; eligible to be activated this week; 46 rec, 550 yards, 2 TDs |
| Harold Landry III | Patriots | Knee | Did not participate | Monitored day-to-day |
| Marte Mapu | Patriots | Hip | Did not participate | Listed out Wednesday |
| Carlton Davis III | Patriots | Concussion | Limited (non-contact) | Practiced in non-contact jersey; could play if he clears protocols |
| Christian Elliss | Patriots | Hip | Limited | Limited work on Wednesday |
| Hunter Henry | Patriots | Rest (not injury related) | Did not participate | Rest day listed by team |
| Morgan Moses | Patriots | Rest (not injury related) | Did not participate | Veteran rest day |
| Thayer Munford Jr. | Patriots | Knee | Limited | Limited participation noted |
| Joshua Farmer | Patriots | Hamstring | Full participation | Practiced fully on Wednesday |
| TreVeyon Henderson | Patriots | Shoulder | Full participation | Took part in full practice |
| Terrell Jennings | Patriots | Concussion Protocol | Passed | Cleared concussion protocol |
| Robert Spillane | Patriots | Hand | Full participation | Practiced fully on Wednesday |
| Bo Nix | Broncos | Ankle | Did not participate | Did not practice Wednesday |
| Pat Bryant | Broncos | Concussion | Limited | Limited participation listed |
| J.K. Dobbins | Broncos | Foot | Limited | Limited work in practice |
| Alex Forsyth | Broncos | Ankle | Limited | Limited participation noted |
| Troy Franklin | Broncos | Hamstring | Limited | Limited practice reps |
| Frank Crum | Broncos | Ankle | Full participation | Practiced fully on Wednesday |
| Luke Krull | Broncos | Foot | Full participation | Full practice participation |
| Drew Sanders | Broncos | Ankle | Full participation | Took part fully |
| JL Skinner | Broncos | Quad | Full participation | Practiced fully |
| Luke Wattenberg | Broncos | Shoulder | Full participation | Full practice participation |
Note: This table reflects Wednesday’s report. Therefore, check daily updates for final game availability.
Patriots injuries: Wednesday practice updates and concussion watch
- Carlton Davis III — Concussion protocol — Limited in a non-contact jersey; practiced with restrictions and needs medical clearance.
- Harold Landry III — Knee — Did not participate; status monitored day-to-day.
- Marte Mapu — Hip — Did not participate; creates depth questions in coverage rotations.
- Christian Elliss — Hip — Limited participation; cautious ramp-up in practice reps.
- Thayer Munford Jr. — Knee — Limited participation; offensive line workload under observation.
- Hunter Henry — Rest — Scheduled rest day; absence not injury related.
- Morgan Moses — Rest — Veteran rest day to preserve energy late in the season.
- Terrell Jennings — Concussion protocol — Passed protocol and returned to full activities.
Impact on game plan
Because the Patriots are managing recovery and readiness, coaches will emphasize versatile personnel packages and rotation depth. Consequently, expect contingency plays, more snaps for backups, and adjustments in coverage and pass-rush assignments to compensate for limited players.
Conclusion: Mack Hollins injury status and what to watch
Mack Hollins injury status remains the central storyline as the Patriots finalize plans for Sunday’s AFC Championship. He did not clear Wednesday practice after suffering an abdominal injury on December 21. However, he is eligible to come off injured reserve this week, so a return remains possible. Coaches will continue day-to-day monitoring, and medical clearance will decide his availability.
Meanwhile, the Patriots balanced rest and return-to-play plans across the roster. Carlton Davis III worked in a non-contact jersey while he navigates concussion protocol. Harold Landry III and Marte Mapu did not participate, and several veterans, including Hunter Henry, took scheduled rest. For broader context and recent roster decisions, see PatriotsReport coverage of roster moves and key player developments: Patriots Roster Move Before Chargers, Patriots Roster Move Chargers, and Efton Chism Week 17 Breakout.
As a result, the tone is cautiously optimistic. Teammates voiced hope, and coaches stressed patience. Patriots Report LLC will continue tracking every update. For ongoing coverage visit Patriots Report and follow updates on Twitter/X at @ZachGatsby. In short, Hollins’ potential return would be meaningful, but the team will not rush him back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Mack Hollins’ current injury status?
Mack Hollins is dealing with an abdominal injury sustained on December 21 against Baltimore. As of the latest update, he has not been cleared to practice. His eligibility to come off injured reserve makes a potential return possible for the upcoming AFC Championship.
Is Mack Hollins expected to play in the AFC Championship game?
While there is hope for his return, it is contingent on day-to-day monitoring and medical clearance. Coaches are proceeding with caution but remain optimistic about his appearance on Sunday.
How are the Patriots managing Carlton Davis III’s injury?
Carlton Davis III suffered a concussion and participated in Wednesday’s practice in a non-contact jersey as he proceeded through concussion protocols. His ability to play depends on whether he clears the necessary medical evaluations.
Which other Patriots players are on the injury list and how are they progressing?
- Harold Landry III has a knee issue and did not participate in practice.
- Marte Mapu is also sidelined due to a hip injury.
- Hunter Henry and Morgan Moses were designated rest days and did not practice but are expected to play.
When will final decisions regarding player participation be made?
The Patriots will continue to assess player conditions leading up to the game. Medical clearances and daily practice assessments are crucial to final decisions. Fans should check PatriotsReport and other official team communication channels for last-minute updates.