The return of star receiver A.J. Brown appears to be taking shape. While the team cannot open his 21-day practice window until next week, it’s an encouraging sign that Brown has avoided setbacks and remains on track with his original 6-to-8-week recovery timeline. Brown will be eligible for activation for the the Patriots Week 6 matchup with the Jets, followed by a short turnaround against the Bears in Week 7.
Brown’s return would provide a significant boost to Drake Maye and the Patriots passing offense that showed signs of life last week despite losing Mack Hollins to an apparent calf injury. It would also dampen the fantasy outlook of Romeo Doubs, who will continue soaking up targets in Brown’s absence. High ankle sprains typically require some time to ramp up production-wise, so fantasy managers should temper expectations in Brown’s first few games back.
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) has ...
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has emerged...
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins stepped up ...
After initially projecting a 4-to-6-week recovery, Adam Schefter has updated the timeline for A.J. Brown to 6-to-8 weeks. While Schefter noted there is optimism Brown could return on the faster end of that window, he stopped short of making any definitive guarantees.
In Brown’s absence, the passing game will continue to funnel through Romeo Doubs, Hunter Henry, and Mack Hollins. Hunter Henry presently leads the team with an 80% snap share, but it’s Doubs pacing the offense with 50 routes run on the year. That usage gives Doubs solid medium upside, even within a below-average passing attack that generates just 34.5 attempts per game (ranking 17th in the NFL).
A.J. Brown will be sidelined for at least 4 weeks due to the high-ankle sprain he sustained in the 3rd quarter of Wednesday’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
This is a crucial blow to the Patriots offense as it appeared they were planning to feed their newly acquired star alpha-WR as he had 3 receptions on 4 targets for 26 yards in less than 3 quarters and was on pace for 9 receptions and 78 yards. He was also wide open for what would’ve been a 36 yard TD, but was under-thrown by QB Drake Maye. Fantasy football managers can take solace in Brown’s massive target share before going down, but unfortunately will have to find a replacement for this gaping hole in their rosters for at least the next 4 weeks.
The next man up in Brown’s absence is unclear, as Romeo Doubs had a truly abysmal game (0 for 3 and 1 costly drop) and Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas are established role players. Monitor second year wide receiver Kyle Williams, who possesses the downfield playmaking ability to partially absorb Brown’s vacated targets. ~Jason Diaz
While negative X-rays cleared a worst-case scenario for A.J. Brown, the multi-week injury leaves the offense without its primary weapon for an extended stretch. Brown is staring at a multi-week injury that will linger well into the season. With Diggs in Washington and Brown hobbled, Drake Maye must now go battle with a truly underwhelming cadre of beta receivers.
Demario Douglas commanded seven targets, yet his low-value check-down usage caps his weekly ceiling in PPR formats. Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs will step into perimeter roles, making Hollins a fringe roster addition for deeper leagues while Doubs attempts to rebound from a zero-catch opening outing. The only true playmaker left at wide receiver is Kyle Williams, who becomes a sneaky add in deep league and a must-stash in fantasy football dynasty formats.
Mack Hollins also led the Patriots with 8 targets as he was frequently targeted downfield with the Patriots in comeback mode against the Seahawks. Five of Hollins’ eight targets came during the fourth quarter when the Big Game was out of reach for the Patriots. Hollins’ 35-yard touchdown grab was the longest play from scrimmage the Patriots had all night.
Hollins now enters free agency with hopes of landing back with the Patriots or another contender. Entering his age-33 season, Hollins has carved out a nice career as a high, average target distance receiver, routinely ranking inside the top 24 at the position in the metric. He has also developed a humorous pre-game arrival attire schtick. His high volatility role of occasionally catching long touchdown passes makes him an intriguing name to monitor this offseason in best ball and DFS formats.
Author: Edward DeLauter (@ff_litigator)
For the first time since week 16 the New England Patriots will have wide receiver Mack Hollins active in their lineup. Hollins was placed on injured reserve after suffering an abdominal injury. The 32 year old has been a role player Patriots, totaling 46 receptions, 550 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Mack Hollins will likely not have a huge impact in the passing game as much as he will in the running game. Hollins is a superb blocker and will help the Patriots run game. Even though Drake Maye had MVP caliber play this season he was under siege last week against the Texans. The Denver Broncos have a potent pass rush as well, so any help in the run game is welcomed.
Author: Jesse Baldwin @J_Baldwin51
