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

Friday, August 1, 4:28 PM

The New England Patriots have "significant plans" for veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Hollins signed a two-year contract with New England in free agency after spending the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills. Entering his age-32 season in 2025, Hollins has mostly played a supporting role as a run blocker and core special-teams player throughout his seven-year NFL career. However, he had his most productive year as a receiver in 2022 while playing under current Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels when McDaniels was the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. That season, Hollins played 17 games (16 starts) and caught 57 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns. He appears to be the favorite to start on the outside in New England alongside Stefon Diggs and slot receiver DeMario Douglas. The buzz around Hollins should cool fantasy enthusiasm for Patriots rookie receiver Kyle Williams, who looks to be blocked off from regular playing time.

Thursday, July 24, 6:16 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (undisclosed) missed another training camp practice on Thursday with what is considered minor muscle tightness, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. The Patriots are playing it safe with Polk early in camp, but any practice he misses could be crucial for last year's second-round pick who is battling for a roster spot this summer. The 23-year-old was previously dealing with a shoulder injury earlier this offseason, but he passed his physical, which is why he was left off the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin camp. Polk has plenty of ground to make up after he caught only 12 passes in 15 games for New England as a rookie in 2024. He will have opportunities with this new coaching staff, but it won't be easy to find playing time in what is now a somewhat crowded receiver room.