Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Drake Maye Receives Good News Before Broncos Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 4:32 PM ET

The New England Patriots are set to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game Sunday, with both teams navigating notable injuries on either side of the ball. Patriots linebacker Harold Landry III (knee) has been ruled out, and several other defenders and skill-position players are listed as questionable. On the Broncos’ side, Bo Nix (ankle) and J.K. Dobbins (foot) are out, leaving Denver to rely on backups at key positions for its first Super Bowl berth opportunity.

The Patriots have also been without wide receiver Mack Hollins, who has missed four games and the start of the playoffs with an abdominal injury sustained in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens.

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (13).Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

On Saturday, the Patriots activated Mack Hollins from injured reserve and opened his 21-day return window ahead of Sunday’s game in Denver. Hollins practiced this week after returning to the field, allowing New England to move him back to the 53-man roster before kickoff.

Despite the Patriots winning games without him, his return will been significant. In the 2025 regular season, Hollins finished with 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns, serving as one of New England’s most productive receivers before the injury.

Patriots activate WR Mack Hollins to the 53-man roster from injured reserve; Place DT Eric Gregory on injured reserve and elevate RB D’Ernest Johnson and DE Leonard Taylor III to the active roster: https://t.co/bxzxSMeTSd pic.twitter.com/z448RVsjpQ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 24, 2026

It remains unclear whether Hollins will see regular snaps against the Broncos, given the timing of his return and the importance of the matchup. Even so, his availability is positive news for the Patriots’ offense and can provide an additional target for quarterback Drake Maye as New England looks ahead to a potential Super Bowl appearance.

Hollins’ presence will complement other reliable weapons like Stefon Diggs , DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte as the Patriots aim to sustain offensive balance and keep opposing defenses at bay.

Sunday’s AFC Championship Game between the Patriots and Broncos is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET, with New England hoping to make its first Super Bowl appearance since the 2019 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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