Key Offensive Players Sidelined for Divisional Clash
The New England Patriots' offensive unit is set to be significantly depleted this Sunday as three key players have been officially ruled out for their crucial divisional encounter against the Miami Dolphins.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown will be sidelined due to ankle and knee injuries, while running back TreVeyon Henderson is out with an illness. Additionally, offensive tackle Marcus Bryant will miss the game, also suffering from an ankle injury.
Previously, all three athletes had been designated as questionable for the contest before their statuses were updated to out.
A.J. Brown's Troubled Season Continues
For Brown, this latest injury represents another setback this season, following an ankle injury sustained in the opening game. That initial injury led to him spending four subsequent games on injured reserve while recovering from a high ankle sprain. He had recently returned to action, participating in the last two matchups.
Brown's injury during the season opener reportedly occurred on September 9 at Lumen Field during an attempt to make a reception against the Seattle Seahawks. This particular game marked a unique occasion as the NFL’s first regular-season fixture ever held on a Wednesday. The event itself was highly anticipated, presented as a rematch of Super Bowl LX, where Seattle had previously triumphed over New England with a 29-10 victory in February, securing their second Vince Lombardi Trophy.
During the play, Brown collapsed after a Seattle defender rolled into him, remaining on the turf for a period. Following attention from medical staff on the field, he managed to walk to the sideline unassisted. He was subsequently removed from the game, with his condition characterized as an ankle injury. His performance that evening concluded with three receptions for a total of 26 yards.
His move to New England followed an inconsistent 2025 season for both Brown personally and the Philadelphia Eagles' overall offense. Philadelphia ultimately traded him to the Patriots in exchange for two future draft selections, a decision made against a backdrop of reported strains in his previously strong friendship and successful playing relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Other Offensive Absences
For running back TreVeyon Henderson, the upcoming Week 8 contest against the Dolphins marks the second game he has missed this season. His first absence was during the season opener, also due to an ankle injury.
Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant has spent the entire season on injured reserve. Despite this, he had recently been designated to return to the active roster and participated fully in practice sessions throughout the entire week leading up to this announcement.
