Patriots rule out Mack Hollins against the Raiders with a calf injury

The New England Patriots will play the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday without wide receiver Mack Hollins. Head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Hollins is out, and the team's final injury report lists him as out with a calf injury after he did not practice Friday.

This moves the story past where it stood Tuesday, when Hollins' calf left his availability for Week 5 uncertain. The Patriots have now made the call for this game.

Hollins had been a steady part of the passing game. Through four games he has 15 catches on 20 targets for 209 yards, per ESPN's game logs, including six catches for 87 yards against Jacksonville in Week 3. He has not scored yet.

His absence comes with A.J. Brown already on injured reserve, so New England is short two of its veteran receivers. Romeo Doubs, DeMario "Pop" Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism are the receivers left to handle the snaps. Tight end Hunter Henry could also see more targets from Drake Maye.

Hollins is not alone on the out list. Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada and fullback Reggie Gilliam are also out, and the Patriots listed seven players as questionable. With both starting corners down, the Raiders' passing game gets an easier draw this week.

Nothing reported so far points to injured reserve for Hollins. For now this is a one-game absence.

What RSO owners should do now: Hollins owners need a Week 5 replacement. Doubs is the best start from this group, and Henry is a reasonable tight end option. Douglas and Williams are deeper adds for owners who need a body. Hold Hollins, since a missed week is not a reason to cut him. On the other side, Raiders pass catchers get a small bump against a depleted secondary.

What to watch next: The Patriots' inactive list Sunday, whether New England adds a receiver from the practice squad before kickoff, and whether Hollins is back at practice next week.