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Philadelphia Eagles talk: An explanation for Mack Hollins’ struggles

By Geoffrey Knox

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Mack Hollins #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles recovers a fumble in the final second of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Mack Hollins #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles recovers a fumble in the final second of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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One NFL insider reveals that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Mack Hollins had sports hernia surgery over the offseason.

Perhaps no NFL team understands the art of covert operation like the Philadelphia Eagles. These guys don’t let you into anything until after everything’s over. If they’re not pulling off trades that no one saw coming, they’re letting you in after the fact on postseason surgeries when most of the general public and media had no idea that there was even an injury. That brings us to Mack Hollins.

The second-year wideout was one of those names that everyone was excited about, thanks most in part to his big frame and soft hands. With guys who can stretch the defense like Alshon Jeffery and Mike Wallace on the outside, Hollins provides a target for Nick Foles, Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld or whoever Philly’s quarterback will be on those intermediate throws.

We haven’t even brought up the prospect of how confusing throwing in Dallas Goedert, Zach Ertz, Corey Clement or Darren Sproles on third-down passing routes will be for opposing defenses.

It’s a nice problem to have though. isn’t it?

Hollins is different from everyone mentioned because he not only has the frame to cause problems underneath. He has the ability to ‘take the top off of a defense’ as well.

There’s just one problem. He’s struggled so far in the 2018 preseason, and that’s been a cause for concern. If you’re one of those Eagles supporters who’s been scratching your head, fear not. One NFL insider has an explanation. This one comes courtesy of Adam Caplan.

They managed to sneak another surgery by us.

According to Caplan, Hollins had offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia. Here’s some of the highlights of what was said on his Inside The Birds podcast:

"I’m told by a source that he had sports hernia surgery. Now, understand with sports hernia surgery….. you could come back in six weeks, but you’re not anywhere close to 100 percent. You can just play with it. It can take you, as I was told, at receiver, three to four months to get back to normal. Sometimes (it’s) four months, but again, you can play in as little as six weeks. That doesn’t mean you’ll be functional in six weeks. That doesn’t mean you’ll be anywhere close."

If that’s the case, that provides a better understanding of why Hollins has struggled. The Eagles’ coaches love this kid. At this point, there’s no reason to believe his roster spot is in danger. Fans and supporters of ‘The Birds’ may just have to wait a few more months to get a more accurate idea of what steps Hollins has taken from year one to year two.

Keep your fingers crossed that we get an answer sooner than later.

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