The New England Patriots will be without wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson for Sunday's road matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
The team confirmed both players' absences Saturday. Brown is dealing with a knee issue that flared up during the week, while Henderson has been ruled out because of an illness.
Brown's Knee Problem Adds to Injury Concerns
Brown's latest setback comes as he continues to work his way back from a right high ankle sprain suffered in New England's season opener.
The injury initially sent him to injured reserve. He was designated to return on October 14 and made his comeback against the New York Jets on October 18.
Despite being away from the field for several weeks, Brown played 102 of a possible 122 offensive snaps across the Patriots' games against the Jets and Chicago Bears, a demanding stretch that included two games in five days.
Brown acknowledged that the workload was challenging but had hoped to complete a full week of practice before Sunday's game.
He was limited during Wednesday's session but could not finish practice. The Patriots subsequently updated his injury report to include the knee issue alongside his existing ankle injury.
“Just wasn't able to finish practice on Wednesday, so we continue to treat him,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday.
Vrabel also stressed that Brown's recent workload and the latest injury were separate issues.
The receiver's absence leaves New England short on experienced options at the position. DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III are the only healthy wide receivers currently listed on the team's 53-man roster.
Henderson Also Sidelined by Illness
Henderson, the Patriots' No. 2 running back, missed practice Thursday and Friday before being ruled out.
His absence leaves Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner as the only running backs currently on New England's active roster.
The Patriots have one open spot on their 53-man roster and can also elevate up to two practice squad players before Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Fourth-year wide receiver Ryan Miller and rookie running back Lan Larison are among the potential candidates to join the game-day roster.
Patriots Face Personnel Challenges Against Miami
Losing both Brown and Henderson creates additional challenges for New England heading into a divisional matchup with Miami.
Brown's absence removes a major receiving option, while Henderson's illness reduces the team's depth in the backfield.
The Patriots will need their remaining healthy players to take on larger roles as they prepare for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins.
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