The New England Patriots are getting ready to kick off across the Atlantic in Germany, but their injury report is looking like a serious headache, with a whopping eleven players practicing in a limited capacity as the Detroit Lions await. This comes after head coach Mike Vrabel’s side ruled out three players before the overseas flight, leaving no non-participants back in Foxborough.
Three Key Patriots Ruled Out For Allianz Arena Showdown
While the team touched down at the FC Bayern Munich training ground for a walkthrough, some key guys didn’t even make the trip. Running back Tre’Veyon Henderson is officially out with an illness, an issue that has kept him away from practice since late October and will now force him to miss his third consecutive game. This is a big blow for the Patriots, especially given he was the No. 38 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
He’s not alone on the sidelines. Offensive lineman Ben Brown is out with a knee injury. He only managed 31 offensive snaps in last weekend’s brutal 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers. And cornerback Carlton Davis III is also sidelined with a knee issue; he only logged 35 defensive snaps in his second game back from a neck injury that cost him two months of action. That’s a lot of crucial talent staying home, and the Lions have their own outs too, with center Cade Mays (ankle) and cornerback DJ Reed (hip) also ruled unavailable for Munich.
Rhamondre Stevenson Made The Trip, But A.J. Brown’s Status Is The Real Worry
The real drama, though, is with the guys who *did* make the trip but are clearly not 100%. Rhamondre Stevenson, the starting running back, made the journey despite reports of a multiweek absence due to a knee tendon issue. He even returned to practice in a partial capacity on Thursday, which is wild. The guy has 657 yards and four touchdowns from scrimmage on 128 touches this season, so having him even partially available is huge.
But then there’s wide receiver A.J. Brown. He’s booked back-to-back limited practices while dealing with both an ankle and a knee issue. He’s been shelved since late October, missing three weeks of practice and two starts since he was acquired in a June trade. His inaugural Patriots campaign has only seen him grab nine receptions for 101 yards, and he’s still working back from a high ankle sprain. His ability to go against the Lions is a massive question mark.
Beyond those two stars, a whole slew of Patriots are in limited participation: fullback Reggie Gilliam (knee , IR return), tight end Hunter Henry (foot), tight end Cameron Latu (back), offensive tackle Morgan Moses (foot), guard Walter Rouse (concussion), guard Greg Van Roten (hamstring , IR return), cornerback Charles Woods (hamstring), safety Kevin Byard III (chest), and safety Brenden Schooler (hamstring). That’s a laundry list of concerns, and don’t forget the Lions have their own key weapon, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, on the limited list with a rib issue.
With a huge international game against the Lions looming on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET from Allianz Arena, the Patriots clearly have their work cut out for them, especially with so many key guys banged up. This isn’t just a regular game; it’s a statement, and they need their stars on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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