FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots downgraded wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson to out on Saturday, dealing the offense a major blow on the eve of Sunday’s divisional game against the Miami Dolphins.
Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant will also sit out the contest, the team announced. The updates leave New England significantly shorthanded at the skill positions heading into the 4:25 p.m. ET matchup at Hard Rock Stadium.
Brown sidelined by knee issue
Brown, 29, was originally designated as questionable before being officially ruled out because of knee and ankle concerns. The three-time All-Pro wideout missed four games earlier in the year following a high ankle sprain suffered during the season opener, an injury that sent him to injured reserve.
Brown had returned to action for New England’s previous two contests, logging 101 snaps according to SB Nation, or 102 snaps according to ESPN. Over those two appearances, he caught six passes for 75 yards. However, he was unable to finish practice on Wednesday after experiencing a flare-up with his knee, ESPN reported, citing an NFL Network report.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the veteran’s status before the downgrade was finalized. “Just wasn’t able to finish practice on Wednesday, so we continue to treat him,” Vrabel said on Friday, according to ESPN. When asked whether Brown’s heavy workload over two games in five days contributed to the setback, Vrabel told reporters the two matters were separate issues, adding, “We want our best players to play and we consider him one of those.”
Before missing Thursday and Friday practices, Brown had told reporters he was managing the lingering ankle problem and lacked his normal burst, but emphasized he would not use it as an excuse. “None of that stuff matters. I’m out here, so I’m going,” Brown said, as reported by ESPN.
Roster shortages at receiver and running back
Brown’s absence leaves the Patriots with only three healthy wide receivers on the active 53-man roster: DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams. Practice squad receiver Ryan Miller could be elevated ahead of kickoff to provide depth, according to ESPN.
Henderson, the team’s rookie second-round draft choice, will miss his second contest of the season due to an illness. The 24-year-old running back missed practices on Thursday and Friday. Henderson has registered 203 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and one touchdown across 57 touches this fall, according to SB Nation.
With Henderson sidelined, the active backfield consists solely of starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson and reserve Corey Kiner. The Patriots could summon rookie running back Lan Larison from the practice squad before the game.
Along the offensive line, Bryant will not be activated from injured reserve, NBC Sports reported. While the Associated Press reported Bryant had been downgraded to out with an ankle injury, NBC Sports and SB Nation noted that the second-year tackle had actually practiced in full all week without an injury designation before the team opted not to activate him from his practice window.
Following the offensive subtractions, the Patriots have only two players listed as questionable on their final injury report: linebacker Christian Elliss and cornerback Carlton Davis III.
