The New England Patriots’ offense is in a tough spot heading into their AFC East matchup against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver A.J. Brown both missed Thursday’s practice, and Brown’s status for the game is reportedly “up in the air” after a new knee flare-up. This signals some real trouble for Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.
Offensive Lineup Shaken Up
Henderson’s absence is a surprise after he started the week with perfect attendance, but an illness kept the 2025 NFL draft’s No. 38 overall pick out of action. This guy has put up 203 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards, plus a touchdown through 57 touches this fall. Sure, he only saw a season-low three carries in his last outing, but losing him entirely, even if it is just for an illness, is a hit to the backfield depth.
But the real gut punch here is A.J. Brown. He was already limited earlier in the week with a knee issue, on top of that high ankle sprain that put him on injured reserve back in September. Now, coming out of the team’s mini bye, he has a knee flare-up? And his status is “up in the air” for this crucial game? That’s exactly what you do not want to hear for a June trade acquisition who is supposed to be a cornerstone of your passing game.
Brown’s Struggles and Depth Concerns
Let’s be real, Brown’s return has not been lighting the world on fire. Since being activated back to the 53-man roster after four games away, he has been on the field for 101 out of 122 offensive snaps, which tells you they are relying on him. But what has he got to show for it? Just six receptions for 75 yards through those recent starts. That’s not the production you expect from a player acquired in a trade, especially one who is already battling two significant leg injuries.
Compounding this problem is the Patriots’ already thin receiving corps. DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams are the remaining active wideouts. That’s it. And let’s not forget, veterans Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins are both on injured reserve already. So, if Brown cannot go or is severely limited, the depth chart looks incredibly bleak. On the offensive line, they are still dealing with issues. Guard Ben Brown, who was ruled out of their 26-19 win over the Jets and missed practice before the 30-24 loss to the Bears, was a limited participant on Thursday. Walter Rouse and Matt Pryor have stepped in because starting left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is on IR with a hamstring injury. It is a patchwork unit, and any further hits just make it worse.
The Rest of the Report and What’s Next
It is not all doom and gloom on the injury front, at least for some guys. Quarterback Drake Maye was a full participant, which is good news for his right shoulder. Tackles Marcus Bryant and Dre’Mont Jones, along with linebackers Christian Elliss, Carlton Davis III, Channing Canada, Karon Prunty, and safety Kevin Byard III all had full participation too, which suggests they are ready to roll. Still, the limited participation list for head coach Mike Vrabel’s side also included OT Morgan Moses (foot) and DT DaQuan Jones (back), showing there are still some lingering issues across the roster.
The Dolphins have their own set of problems, with offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor out with a concussion and a bunch of players limited, including wideouts Malik Washington and Jared Wayne, plus multiple defensive backs. But the focus for Sunday has to be on the Patriots’ ability to put points on the board without key offensive weapons.
This Sunday’s game against the Dolphins is going to be a real test of grit for the Patriots. With Henderson sidelined and Brown’s availability a huge question mark, every snap is going to matter. Will the remaining receivers step up, or will the offense stumble against a division rival? It is going to be a nail-biter, and all eyes will be on who can actually suit up for the Patriots and make a difference.
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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