Updated

Updated · Patriots.com · Aug 3

Patriots' A.J. Brown Dislocates Thumb in Day 8 Practice, Returns After 2-Hour Session

Updated

Updated · Patriots.com · Aug 3

Patriots' A.J. Brown Dislocates Thumb in Day 8 Practice, Returns After 2-Hour Session

Q: Mack Hollins dominated the red zone, but will this unexpected surge disrupt New England's established receiver hierarchy?

No. Mack Hollins’ red-zone burst looks more like a strong specialist role than a shake-up of New England’s pecking order. The broader hierarchy remains intact. A.J. Brown is the clear No. 1 target, and Romeo Doubs still projects as a major complementary piece. DeMario Douglas has the clearest slot role, while Kayshon Boutte has been one of camp’s most productive receivers overall and remains firmly in the competition for meaningful snaps. Hollins’ surge matters, but it does not erase those established roles. What it does do is strengthen Hollins’ case for a defined niche. Multiple camp reports have highlighted him as a trusted red-zone option for Drake Maye, and that fits his profile: 6-foot-4, physical, reliable, and one of the room’s best blockers. He already had 46 catches for 550 yards last season, and the staff values his versatility enough that some around the team see hybrid tight end usage as plausible, especially given New England’s thin depth behind Hunter Henry. In practical terms, Hollins’ strong showing may affect snap distribution more than hierarchy. It increases the likelihood that he is featured in red-zone packages, short-yardage situations, and mismatch looks inside the formation. It also adds pressure to a crowded receiver room where Boutte, Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism are fighting for touches. So the surprise is real, but the disruption is limited. Hollins is enhancing his role, not overtaking Brown or reshaping the top of the depth chart.

3 articles · Updated · Patriots.com · Aug 3

A.J. Brown dislocated his left thumb during early 7-on-7 work against Christian Gonzalez, had it taped by trainers, and returned to finish the roughly 2-hour indoor practice.
Brown said he suffered the injury during a physical exchange but stayed in because he would not leave practice; he later caught quick slants near the goal line and showed little visible discomfort.
The fourth straight padded session turned notably more competitive, with the offense posting its best running day of camp while the defense answered in red-zone and third-and-1 periods.
In roster and injury updates, Terrell Jennings was activated from NFI and practiced fully, while Carlton Davis missed a fourth straight practice and the Patriots signed defensive tackle Casey Rogers.