The Patriots got a much-needed lift on Friday as they worked through their Week 10 prep for the Lions in Germany. TreVeyon Henderson will stay sidelined, but New England at least has reason to feel better about two other key offensive pieces.
Mike Vrabel told reporters, including ESPN’s Mike Reiss, that he feels "pretty good" about the way Rhamondre Stevenson and A.J. Brown are trending as they try to get back for Sunday’s game against Detroit.
"WR A.J. Brown and RB Rhamondre Stevenson are officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game," Reiss reports. "Mike Vrabel said 'pretty good' when asked before Friday’s practice how he viewed the way they were progressing toward playing."
That doesn’t lock either player into the lineup, but it does give the Patriots real hope that both could be available this weekend. Neither has been ruled out, and while it wouldn’t be shocking if one or both sat again, the latest update points to a legitimate chance they suit up.
That matters for a New England offense already dealing with enough uncertainty. The Patriots can get by without Brown - they’ve done it before this season - but losing Stevenson would be a tougher hit. Without him, Corey Kiner would be in line as the lead back, and that’s not an ideal setup.
The timing also makes the situation even more important. With the Buffalo Bills pulling away in the AFC East, the Patriots need a win in Week 10 before heading into their Week 11 bye.
So for now, the door is open. Brown and Stevenson are still listed as questionable, but the Patriots have at least moved from concern to cautious optimism heading into a game that suddenly carries a lot of weight.
In Other News...
Patriots Suddenly Face A Bigger Problem Than Just The Lions
The Patriots head into Week 10 at 5-4 with more on their mind than just trying to slow down the Lions. After a rough defensive showing against the Packers, the focus inside the building has shifted to tightening up the details and finding a better rhythm across all three phases, especially as injuries and roster churn continue to test the depth chart.
DeMario Douglas said the sideline needs more energy and cohesion, a reminder that New England cannot afford to drift into disconnected football if it wants to stay in the mix. The margin for error is shrinking, and the Patriots know the rest of the season will depend on whether they can pull together and start playing the kind of complementary football that keeps games within reach. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Offense Suddenly Has A Huge Munich Concern
The Patriots trip to Munich has picked up a little more uncertainty on the offensive side, with wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back Rhamondre Stevenson both landing on the injury report as questionable for Week 10 against the Lions. Brown is dealing with ankle and knee injuries after being limited in practice, while Stevenson is working through a knee issue of his own and was also limited. For a New England offense already trying to settle in on the road, the timing is less than ideal.
The team also ruled out three players and added several others to the questionable list, leaving the final game-day picture a bit murky as kickoff approaches. For the Patriots, the concern is not just who suits up, but how much of the offense they can count on if these key pieces are less than full strength in a game that already comes with the added wrinkle of playing in Munich. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Can't Risk This A.J. Brown Decision Again
A.J. Browns return to practice has given the Patriots a much-needed lift, even if it has not yet answered the biggest question surrounding him. The three-time All-Pro receiver has missed multiple games this season because of a high-ankle sprain and knee issues, and while he traveled with the team for its Week 10 game in Germany, his availability remains uncertain.
For New England, the temptation to push Brown back into action is obvious. He is the kind of difference-maker that can change the shape of an offense and help keep playoff hopes alive, but the Patriots also know how quickly one injury can turn into another if they rush him before he is ready. After all the time he has already missed, this is the sort of decision that could matter well beyond one game. [Read more 🡒]