The Patriots had two notable absences on offense Thursday as they continued working through their Dolphins prep, with running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver A.J. Brown both missing practice.
Henderson wasn’t on the opening injury report earlier in the week, but illness kept him sidelined in Foxborough. The No. 38 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft has 203 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and one touchdown on 57 touches this season. He also logged a season-low three carries in his most recent game.
Brown’s situation looks more complicated. He had already been limited because of a knee issue and the high ankle sprain that sent him to injured reserve in September, and now he’s dealing with a knee flare-up coming out of the team’s mini bye.
Since returning to the 53-man roster after four games away, the June trade acquisition has played 101 of 122 offensive snaps, but he’s produced only six catches for 75 yards across those recent starts. The Patriots’ other active wideouts are DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams, with Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins both on injured reserve.
New England’s Thursday report also listed three players as limited. Quarterback Drake Maye remained a limited participant with a right shoulder issue, while offensive lineman Morgan Bryant was in the partial group during his 21-day return window from injured reserve. LB Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder), LB Christian Elliss (chest), CB Carlton Davis III (neck), CB Channing Canada (hamstring), CB Karon Prunty (hamstring) and S Kevin Byard III (chest) also drew limited work.
Davis’ presence is worth watching. The veteran outside corner missed three straight games after a neck injury that first popped up in September, but he’s now been available without restrictions for two straight practices, joined by two rookie corners working back from hamstring injuries.
On the offensive line, Brown’s status got more attention after he was ruled out during the 26-19 win over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium and then was a non-participant leading into the 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. August trade acquisition Walter Rouse and October signing Matt Pryor filled in next to center Jared Wilson after starting left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker went on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
The Dolphins’ Thursday report included tackle Kadyn Proctor, who did not practice because of a concussion. Miami also had a long list of limited participants: Malik Washington, Jared Wayne, Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek, JuJu Brents, Reese Taylor, Michael Taaffe, Dante Trader Jr. and long snapper Tucker Addington.
The teams are set for a Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.
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The interesting part is not just that New England is exploring multiple lanes, but that the team appears willing to consider upgrades across both sides of the ball. No official trade has been reported, so this is still a search rather than a deal, but it does suggest the Patriots see a chance to plug holes if the right player becomes available. For a team trying to keep building around its young core, the deadline could end up being less about splash and more about finding the right fit. [Read more 🡒]