{"id":88619,"date":"2025-08-13T01:52:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T01:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=88619"},"modified":"2025-08-13T01:52:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T01:52:54","slug":"silence-speaks-volumes-patriots-make-their-stance-on-mack-hollins-clear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=88619","title":{"rendered":"Silence Speaks Volumes: Patriots Make Their Stance on Mack Hollins Clear"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Patriots make bold statement on Mack Hollins without saying a word<\/h1>\n<\/header>\n
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\"Jul<\/picture><\/div>\n
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Jul 23, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) heads to the practice field for day one of training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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The New England Patriots couldn\u2019t have scripted a better preseason opener, from\u00a0Tom Brady\u2019s pregame statue reveal\u00a0to the 48-18 demolition the team put on (at the Commanders\u2019 expense) in Mike Vrabel\u2019s debut as head coach at Gillette Stadium.<\/p>\n

Several Patriots stole the show, from electric running back (and kick returner) TreVeyon Henderson, to training camp stud Efton Chism, to surging rookie safety Craig Woodson.<\/p>\n

But you could argue a veteran wide receiver who saw zero targets on 12 total offensive snaps was among the most notable storylines on a near-perfect night in Foxboro.<\/p>\n

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Patriots offensive starters<\/em><\/p>\n

LT: Will Campbell<\/em>
\nLG: Jared Wilson<\/em>
\nC: Garrett Bradbury<\/em>
\nRG: Mike Onwenu<\/em>
\nRT: Marcus Bryant<\/em>
\nTE: Hunter Henry<\/em>
\nTE: Austin Hooper<\/em>
\nQB: Drake Maye<\/em>
\nFB\/TE: Jack Westover<\/em>
\nRB: Rhamondre Stevenson<\/em>
\nWR: Mack Hollins<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)\u00a0August 8, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

The Patriots\u2019 decision to start Mack Hollins at WR spoke volumes<\/h2>\n

Patriots fans concerned about Mack Hollins stealing reps from training camp standout Kayshon Boutte, or taking a roster spot from 2024 draft picks Javon Baker or Ja\u2019Lynn Polk, should have their antennas up after Friday night\u2019s game.<\/p>\n

Josh McDaniels and the Patriots\u2019 offense opened their first possession in a heavy set. With quarterback Drake Maye under center, New England lined up with a fullback, two tight ends, and Mack Hollins as the lone wide receiver.<\/p>\n

With top wide out Stefon Diggs (knee) held back from preseason action, it was telling that the 31-year-old Hollins \u2014 a full-fledged NFL journeyman with stops in Philadelphia, Miami, Las Vegas, and Buffalo prior to joining the Patriots this past March \u2014 was the first wide receiver to take the field against the Commanders.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s even more notable when you consider that Hollins missed practice time this offseason due to a short stint on the active\/physically unable to perform list. The Patriots never disclosed Hollins\u2019 injury, but they clearly have plans for the veteran this season.<\/p>\n

His quick ascension to the first-string offense with Maye both in practice and the preseason opener says it all.<\/p>\n

If Hollins is in, who\u2019s out in the Patriots’ intense WR battle?<\/h3>\n

New England\u2019s locks at wide receiver include Diggs, rookie Kyle Williams, and slot receiver DeMario Douglas. It\u2019s now safe to include Hollins, who, according to Spotrac, signed a two-year contract with $3.5 million in guarantees this offseason, in that group as well.<\/p>\n

From there, it’s a toss-up for the final couple of roster spots.\u00a0Boutte has made a strong case for himself\u00a0in camp. You know what you’re getting from Kendrick Bourne at this point. And there’s a case to be made for both Baker and Polk to stick around for at least another year.<\/p>\n

Oh, and training camp stud Efton Chism III reminded us that he’s still in the mix with six catches, 50 yards, and a touchdown on Friday night.<\/p>\n

Vrabel\u2019s crew will have some tough decisions to make at wide receiver, especially with all signs pointing towards Hollins having a roster spot firmly in hand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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