The New England Patriots could see a major boost for their Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Monday that wide receiver Mack Hollins and fullback Reggie Gilliam are “potentially” returning from injured reserve, per Patriots Wire’s Sophie Weller. This is huge, especially when you’re facing a tough opponent like Green Bay.
Hollins’ Comeback: A Receiving Corps Shot in the Arm
Mack Hollins has been sidelined with a calf injury, an absolute gut punch for the Patriots’ receiving corps earlier this season. The veteran wideout has missed the last four weeks of play while rehabbing, and Week 9 is the first time he’s eligible to return from injured reserve. Before he went down, Hollins snagged 15 receptions for 209 yards across just four games. That’s real production! Getting him back means adding another dynamic, experienced option to their receiving group, which is always clutch when you’re trying to move the chains.
Gilliam’s Return: Bolstering the Trenches
It’s not just Hollins either. Fullback Reggie Gilliam has also been dealing with injuries to his ankle and knee, having last played all the way back in Week 4. His absence has left a hole in the Patriots’ physical blocking game, something you can never have enough of in the NFL. Gilliam has one reception for four yards in his four games played, two of which he started this year. Bringing him back means strengthening their blocking and giving the Patriots some serious offensive personnel flexibility. That’s a big deal for keeping the offense churning.
Getting both Hollins and Gilliam back would be a serious shot in the arm for New England heading into this Green Bay game. Hollins brings that “dynamic, experienced” option the receiving corps needs, while Gilliam plugs a hole in their physical blocking game and gives them way more offensive flexibility. The Packers better be ready, because a healthier Patriots squad is a tougher Patriots squad that looks ready to make some noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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