Mike Vrabel ‘can’t predict’ Mack Hollins’ potential playoff return
A viral halftime clip briefly stole the spotlight from New England’s win over the Jets, with Mike Vrabel and defensive lineman Christian Barmore seen in a heated game side exchange.
Vrabel later explained that it was a reminder to stay calm after a botched sequence late in the second quarter, stressing that the Patriots didn’t want to give up “free yards” on penalties after the whistle.
That same no-nonsense tone carried Vrabel’s latest injury update on wide receiver Mack Hollins. According to Mike Kadlik, Vrabel said Hollins’ injury occurred in the Patriots’ win over the Ravens last Sunday night, and the timeline makes any playoff projection awkward:
“We won’t be able to see him for another three weeks. At that point we’ll make a decision … right now I don’t think we can predict anything.”
That essentially puts Hollins in a holding pattern. The Patriots can’t evaluate him on the field, and Vrabel doesn’t pretend to be any different. If the recovery goes smoothly, the door could still be open for a postseason return, but the team is clearly treating it as a wait-and-see situation rather than a lock.
However, there is a background here. Vrabel coaches a group that has played its best soccer, keeping its emotions in check, and has been consistent in protecting the team’s identity when games get tough.
That was the point of Barmore’s half-time message, and it’s the same practicality you hear in his handling of Hollins, no predictions, no drama, just a timeline and a decision point.
The Patriots also got a special piece of optimism up front. Mike Reiss reported that Vrabel is expecting a left tackle Will Campbell, who was on injured reserveto start practicing this week now that he is eligible.
Getting Campbell back into the practice mix would be a big step for New England’s defense as the postseason approaches.
New England closes the regular season at home against the Dolphins, with the immediate focus on staying sharp while monitoring Hollins’ progress and Campbell’s return to practice.
2025-12-29 17:52:00
