Drake Maye Praises Mack Hollins As Receiver Returns To Practice

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has plenty of praise for receiver Mack Hollins, who’s closing in on a return.

Hollins was placed on injured reserve due to an abdomen injury and missed the final two weeks of the season and the first two playoff games. Hollins was a full participant in practice on Friday, and he’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.

After Hollins was able to practice on Friday, Maye lauded the receiver and is hopeful he will be able to play on Sunday.

“Man, Mack’s been awesome,” Maye said on Friday. “It’s been awesome having him back. He’s a great player for us, been a great player for us all year. He practices hard. He’s one of those guys that brings it every day and has ever since I met him. I know he started off in OTAs and training camp battling a little injury, but since then, he’s been all gas, no breaks, and that’s how he is. He’s staying, running routes after practice.

“He’s doing all the little things. I always see him before the games on Saturday nights, drawing every single play up in the pass plays. He does those things, and you can tell why so many different teams wanted him and how he plays at a high level.”

Hollins has been a key receiver for the Patriots as he’s recorded 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns. He inked a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the Patriots this offseason.

The Patriots will go on the road to play the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. New England is a 4.5-point favorite.