Who Should I Start? Mack Hollins or Ja'Lynn Polk

Thursday, August 28, 6:06 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins "has probably been the best option" in training camp to start outside across from Stefon Diggs. DeMario Douglas is slated to start in the slot for the team in three-wide sets under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Graff guesses that Hollins will "get the most snaps there in Week 1." Kayshon Boutte had 589 receiving yards last year (Hollins had just 378). Beyond Hollins and Boutte, the best long-term option is rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams. Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker were released on Wednesday. It's notable for the 31-year-old Hollins, but it won't be a big enough role for fantasy managers to take notice in 12-team leagues, especially with second-year quarterback Drake Maye expected to have plenty of growing pains in his first year as the full-time starter.

Thursday, August 21, 3:51 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) will miss the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury that needs surgery, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz on Thursday. Polk visited with multiple specialists before opting for season-ending surgery, but going under the knife was determined to be the best course of action. The former second-round pick last year will be hoping to be fully healthy for the start of the 2026 season. Polk disappointed in his first year in New England last year, catching just 12 of his 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts), but to be fair, he didn't have much of a chance in the Patriots' low-scoring offense. He will now miss his entire sophomore season, which gives rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III greater chances of making the 53-man roster as depth behind Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas.