The New England Patriots welcomed back two players to practice on Wednesday as the team began preparations for their upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Return to Practice
Wide receiver Mack Hollins and offensive lineman Greg Van Roten, both currently on injured reserve, participated in the team’s opening session of the week. Head coach Mike Vrabel announced their return during a Wednesday press conference, noting that the team wants to transition the players from rehabilitation with trainers and strength coaches back to actual practice participation to evaluate their progress.
Hollins was placed on injured reserve following a calf injury sustained in a Week 4 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Before the injury, the 33-year-old receiver had appeared in 63% of the team’s offensive snaps, recording 15 catches for 209 yards. His absence coincided with injuries to fellow wideouts A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, leaving the team to rely on Efton Chism, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas in a recent win over the Miami Dolphins.
Van Roten went to the injured reserve list a week earlier than Hollins, following a thigh injury suffered in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 36-year-old had stepped into the starting lineup in Week 3 as an injury replacement for right guard Mike Onwenu, logging 64 snaps before his injury. During his time out, Ben Brown and Matt Pryor filled the position.
Roster Status
The team now has a 21-day window to officially activate both Hollins and Van Roten to the 53-man roster. If they are not activated within that timeframe, they will remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
