New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins was fined twice by the NFL following a play late in the fourth quarter of the team’s recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Saturday, the league imposed fines totaling $34,441 on Hollins: $11,941 for taunting and $22,500 for unnecessary roughness. Both penalties stemmed from a single play in which Hollins caught a 9-yard pass near the Jaguars’ goal line with just under 13 minutes remaining in the game.
During the reception, Hollins made a “too small” gesture toward Jaguars safety Eric Murray, prompting a taunting penalty that moved the Patriots back to their 22-yard line and forced them to settle for a field goal instead of attempting a touchdown. Officials also reviewed the play and ruled that Hollins used his helmet inappropriately, resulting in the additional fine. When asked about the taunting penalty earlier in the week, Hollins acknowledged the league’s rules governing such actions, indicating he was not surprised by the sanction.
The fines come amid a busy week for Hollins, who was also recognized by the NFL Players Association as the “Community MVP” for his work supporting the Special Olympics. Hollins recently hosted a fully funded field day featuring eight interactive sports stations for 125 athletes and their families. In honor of Hollins’s efforts, the NFLPA will donate $10,000 to his Free the Feet Foundation.
Hollins has garnered increased attention this season due to a larger role in the Patriots’ offense, particularly following an ankle injury to star wide receiver A.J. Brown in the season opener. Hollins has since become the top target for quarterback Drake Maye, leading the team in receptions (12) and receiving yards (156).
In roster moves ahead of Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots elevated safety Mike Brown and cornerback Kindle Vildor from the practice squad to the active roster. Vildor’s promotion aims to provide depth at cornerback after the team ruled out Christian Gonzalez because of a shoulder injury. Brown’s activation suggests the Patriots may again play without starting safety Craig Woodson, who is listed as questionable with a shoulder issue.
Woodson is among seven players considered questionable for the matchup, including linebacker Christian Elliss (chest), fullback Reggie Gilliam (knee), edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder), right tackle Morgan Moses (foot), and tight end Eli Raridon (thigh). Cornerback Channing Canada was downgraded to out.
Notably, the Patriots did not elevate an offensive lineman capable of playing center, despite coach Mike Vrabel’s statement that backup center Ben Brown will start at right guard. On the Buffalo side, the Bills temporarily promoted defensive back Te’Cory Couch and cornerback Kani Walker from their practice squad. Star cornerback Christian Benford remains questionable for the game.