Patriots to lose Brown and Henderson for Sunday's Dolphins game
New England elevates two players from the practice squad as key offensive starters sit out with knee and illness issues.
By Amina Howard ·
The New England Patriots will start Sunday's AFC East game against the Miami Dolphins without two primary offensive weapons. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson are out, while offensive tackle Marcus Bryant was also ruled out.
All three players were listed as questionable earlier in the week. Brown’s absence stems from a knee injury that flared up after he returned from a high-ankle sprain sustained in the season opener. The wide receiver spent four games on injured reserve for that ankle issue before playing in the past two matchups. Vrabel noted that Brown could not finish practice on Wednesday due to the knee problem.
The Patriots acquired Brown from Philadelphia during the offseason in a trade involving a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The team was aware of a degenerative knee condition associated with Brown at the time of the transaction. Asked if the team rushed his return, Vrabel stated that the ankle and knee are separate issues. He said he is focused on preparing the team to win in Miami rather than worrying about long-term concerns.
Henderson is missing the game due to an illness. This is the second game he has missed this season after sitting out the opener with an ankle injury. He previously suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Raiders but returned the following week without missing additional time. Bryant, who had been on injured reserve all season, was designated to return and practiced as a full participant all week before being ruled out.
On Saturday, the Patriots made roster moves to address the absences. They signed running back Lan Larison from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Larison will serve as the third running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner. The team also elevated wide receiver Ryan Miller from the practice squad.
The Patriots will field a shorthanded receiving corps against Miami. In addition to Miller, the wide receiver group will include DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism.
