The Patriots are suddenly looking a lot healthier than anyone expected heading into Week 6.
New England had already managed to stack back-to-back wins without No. 1 wide receiver A.J. Brown and top cornerback Christian Gonzalez, and last week’s blowout of the Las Vegas Raiders came with two more scares: running back TreVeyon Henderson went down with what was diagnosed as a high ankle sprain, and left tackle Will Campbell left with a knee injury that was compared to the MCL sprain he dealt with in 2025.
That made the Patriots sound like they’d be shorthanded again Sunday against the New York Jets. Instead, NFL insider Ian Rapoport dropped a report early Sunday morning that the team is “close to full health,” and it turned heads.
On Saturday, New England activated Brown off injured reserve, setting him up to play his first snaps for the Patriots since the third quarter of the season opener on Sept. 9. Gonzalez also said Wednesday that he’s “ready to go” after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury.
Question: How are you feeling?
Christian Gonzalez: “Good. Ready to go for Sunday.” pic.twitter.com/n2Ib4IOH1q
- Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 14, 2026
The real surprise, though, is Henderson and Campbell. Neither looked like a likely return this week, even after both were limited in practice from Wednesday through Friday. But according to Rapoport’s sources, “both are likely to play against the Jets.”
That would put New England in position to bring a much stronger lineup into Sunday’s home game than expected.
The Patriots will release their official inactives about 90 minutes before kickoff, but the Jets may be facing the best version of this offense and defense New England has shown all season. Starting cornerback Carlton Davis was ruled out Friday, and rookie defensive back Karon Prunty was also ruled out. The team did not activate offensive tackle Marcus Bryant off IR, which pushes his practice window into next week.
New England also kept running back Lan Larison on the practice squad Saturday, another sign Henderson was trending toward a return. That’s a stunner given how often high ankle sprains cost players multiple weeks.
Henderson said he was surprised by how his ankle responded during the week.
"I feel pretty good. I think I'm getting better.
We'll see how things continue to go, the decision that we all end up making," Henderson said. "Honestly, I was surprised.
I felt a little bit different than what they diagnosed it as and what the MRI showed. So, yeah, I'm hoping that I'm able to be out there with the guys and try to help this team continue to win games."
The Patriots also elevated safety Elliott Davison for Sunday, which appears to be insurance for Craig Woodson. Woodson has been dealing with his own shoulder issue, though he was a full participant Friday, leaving him on the right side of questionable.
In Other News...
Patriots Could Get A.J. Brown Back For Jets At Perfect Time
A.J. Browns return could give the Patriots a timely boost heading into their meeting with the Jets, with the veteran receiver expected to be activated from injured reserve after working back into practice. Brown has been out since Week 1 because of a high ankle sprain, and his progress this week has put him on track to rejoin the lineup after a stretch in which New England has had to adjust without one of its more proven playmakers.
Mike Vrabel has not locked anything in just yet, however, making clear Browns availability still hinges on how he comes through Fridays practice. Brown has sounded optimistic about getting back on the field, and for a Patriots team looking for any edge in a division matchup, his presence would come at a welcome moment if he checks the final box. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Fans Already Trust One Fill-In Option If Left Tackle Changes
Will Campbells knee injury briefly put the Patriots in a spot theyd rather avoid, but rookie Caleb Lomu gave them at least one encouraging answer. After Campbell exited early and was limited in practice, Lomu stepped in at left tackle and held up well in pass protection, giving New England a usable option if the line has to absorb another adjustment heading into this week.
The larger takeaway is that Patriots fans do not seem to view the position as a panic point, even with the uncertainty around Campbells availability. A recent fan survey found a majority believe Lomu can handle fill-in duty at left tackle, and a sizable chunk are especially confident in him, which says plenty about how quickly he has earned trust in a spot that usually makes supporters nervous. [Read more 🡒]
Drake Maye Faces A Patriots Test That Could Change Everything
The Patriots head into their matchup with the Jets in a far healthier spot than they have been for much of the season, and that alone changes the conversation around Drake Maye. New England is getting key help back at the right time, with A.J. Brown set for his first home Patriots debut after missing four games with a high-ankle sprain, while TreVeyon Henderson and Will Campbell are also expected to return. Add in Mayes strong showing in the previous game, and there is at least a little more optimism around an offense that has been searching for consistency.
Still, this is the kind of test that can expose young quarterbacks quickly. The Jets bring one of the leagues better defenses in both total defense and points allowed, so the Patriots cannot afford to give them extra chances with turnovers. New England should have a slightly different look on offense with reinforcements available, while the Jets will be without Breece Hall, which could alter how they try to answer back. For Maye, it is the sort of matchup that can either steady the momentum or make the next step feel a lot farther away. [Read more 🡒]