Patriots’ Mack Hollins wears suicide prevention shirt after Marshawn Kneeland’s death
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has always been one to express himself and he did so rather admirably before Thursday night’s game against the New York Jets. He arrived at Gillette Stadium with a T-shirt that displayed “988,” the national hotline number for suicide prevention, via NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “You are worth it” was written on the back.
“It’s okay to not be okay,” Hollins said, spreading awareness in the aftermath of Marshawn Kneeland’s death. The Dallas Cowboys defensive end fled police after a traffic stop and was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after making his way on foot. Confusion surrounds the situation, but family members said that Kneeland was enduring a mental health crisis and experiencing suicidal thoughts at the time.
The Cowboys are grieving for Kneeland, who was only 24 years old at the time of his death, and have expressed the intent to financially support his girlfriend and the couple’s unborn baby. This loss obviously affects more than just the Dallas community. Many around the league are sharing their condolences for Kneeland’s loved ones, doing their part to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Hollins understands the platform he has as an NFL player, and he clearly takes it seriously. The 6-foot-4 wideout hopes that his message makes the rounds on social media and reaches people all around the world, including those who have no interest in football whatsoever.
He is not just making an impact on the Patriots, but also beyond the gridiron. What more can someone ask of a free agent addition?
Commanders provide update on Terry McLaurin’s chances to return vs. Bears
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is still recovering from a quad injury he suffered earlier in the season.
McLaurin made a massive catch that nearly ended in a touchdown back in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, but he hurt his quad and hasn't been seen since. However, McLaurin has a chance to return when the team faces off against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.
“Yeah, we're optimistic and we'll have more information as the week goes on to see where they're at with he and [WR] Noah [Brown] and [T/G] Sam Cosmi and a few other guys that are kind of trending in the right way," Quinn said.
"We'll make sure we take all the right steps. Just like we do with all the guys. If they're able to, you know, fully express how they play and do the thing, then we're there. And if not, we'll have to keep waiting, but we won't decide yet. But with having an extra day, that never hurts going into it. But as we get a few more days from now, I think I'll have a better sense for if it's able to be done and what it looks like and how they're responding to it.”
Commanders could get McLaurin back soon
Getting McLaurin back is crucial for the Commanders offense. While players like Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane and Deebo Samuel have held the fort down, the Commanders are far more dangerous with McLaurin on the field.
McLaurin's return will put the Commanders in a position to be one of the best offenses in the league. Though McLaurin has struggled for the Commanders this season, logging just 10 catches for 149 yards, his presence forces opposing defensive coordinators to change their game plans.
If McLaurin can come back and play to the level he was back in 2024, the Commanders could make their climb back up the NFC East standings
