Drake Maye hit with massive bad news ahead of playoffs as Patriots lose star WR to abdomen injury

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots won't have one of their best weapons for their playoff run. The Patriots are on the verge of securing the AFC East title, but they won't have everybody healthy to face the postseason as one of the top seeds in the conference.

Reporter Doug Kyed shared on Saturday that the team placed wide receiver Mack Hollins on injured reserve. They signed defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. to the 53-man roster and elevated DB Kobee Minor and DL Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad, as part of this week's roster moves.

Kyed noted that Hollins' placement on injured reserve rules him out for four games, which means he will miss the Weeks 17 and 18 duels and at least two potential playoff games.

"Patriots WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) can't return for four games. That knocks him out for the final two regular-season games, plus at least two potential playoff games," Kyed wrote.

The decision means that Hollins would be eligible for a potential Super Bowl matchup. New England enter the postseason as one of the strongest teams in the AFC, but losing one of their best wide receivers could prove deadly for the six-time Super Bowl champions.

Edited by Orlando Silva