Reminder: Key Patriots Weapon Could Return From Injury For AFC Title Game

The Patriots could gain a needed reinforcement for their AFC Championship Game matchup with the Broncos.

New England receiver Mack Hollins is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, meaning he could play at Denver on Sunday. Hollins missed the last four games, including both playoff wins, due to an abdominal injury suffered during the Patriots’ Week 16 road win over the Baltimore Ravens.

It remains to be seen whether Hollins will be on the field when the Patriots practice on Wednesday. ESPN’s Mike Reiss offered a minor update on Hollins in his notes column published on Sunday.

“He’s around in all the meetings and we talk a lot about the things he might see with the upcoming opponent, and he’s been helping Efton (Chism III) with some stuff,” Patriots receivers coach Todd Downing said last week, via Reiss. “He’s definitely staying around and involved.”

Hollins was having one of his best seasons before suffering the injury. The 32-year-old posted 46 catches for 550 yards — his career highs are 57 catches and 690 yards — along with two touchdowns in 15 games. As perhaps the Patriots’ best blocking wideout, Hollins was also a key, physical presence in the running game.

New England will practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before traveling to Denver on Saturday. The AFC Championship Game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.