The New England Patriots will be without two important offensive weapons when they host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, adding to the challenges facing quarterback Drake Maye against one of the league's more talented defenses.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Friday that wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson will not play against Green Bay. Both missed practice Wednesday and Thursday.
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Tight end Hunter Henry and cornerback Marcus Jones are questionable, according to Friday's reporting on Vrabel's availability.
The developments leave New England facing potentially significant personnel shortages as it attempts to improve on its 5-3 record.
The Patriots' official injury report had not yet been updated with Friday's practice participation and game designations when checked. The Friday statuses above are based on reporting from Vrabel's news conference.
Brown's continued absence is particularly concerning because the Patriots acquired him to become Maye's primary receiving target. The veteran receiver has appeared in only three games this season, catching nine passes for 101 yards without a touchdown.
Brown initially missed time with a high ankle sprain, but his knee has become an additional concern. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and will miss his second consecutive game.
The Patriots are already without receiver Romeo Doubs, who remains on injured reserve.
That leaves DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams as the team's three healthy receivers on the active roster, with potential reinforcements available through practice squad elevations. Veteran Mack Hollins offers another possible solution. He returned to practice this week after beginning his 21-day activation window from injured reserve, although he remained limited by a calf injury.
Without Brown, New England's passing attack will need to rely more heavily on its younger receivers and potentially its tight ends. That could become particularly challenging against Green Bay's pass rush, which features Micah Parsons.
Henderson's absence involves circumstances extending well beyond football.
The second-year running back revealed Friday that he recently experienced an unexpected medical emergency involving neurological symptoms that required several days of hospitalization.
According to Reuters , Henderson said extensive medical testing produced reassuring results, although doctors have not determined the cause of his symptoms. The condition has affected his strength, coordination and other physical functions.
Henderson is working with medical specialists and physical therapists as he focuses on recovery.
The 24-year-old has rushed for 203 yards and one touchdown this season, adding 45 receiving yards in six appearances.
His absence leaves Rhamondre Stevenson as New England's primary running back against Green Bay. There is no established timetable for Henderson's return, and his health remains the overriding concern.
Henry's foot injury presents another potentially significant problem for New England's passing offense.
The veteran tight end missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices after leaving the Patriots' Week 8 victory over Miami with a foot injury.
Vrabel indicated Friday that Henry is questionable for Sunday's game.
With Brown unavailable and the receiving corps already depleted, Henry's potential absence would further limit Maye's established options in the passing game.
Henry provides a reliable target in the middle of the field, particularly on third downs and in situations where defenses generate pressure.
His availability could influence how offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels constructs the passing game against Green Bay.
If Henry cannot play, New England may need to redistribute his receiving responsibilities while leaning more heavily on its remaining tight ends and running backs.
Jones was a new addition to Thursday's injury report after missing practice with a foot injury.
He had not appeared on Wednesday's report.
The cornerback has been an important contributor to New England's defense and special teams, making his status particularly relevant against a Packers offense featuring quarterback Jordan Love and receiver Christian Watson.
Jones has played more than 80% of the Patriots' defensive snaps this season while also serving as a punt returner.
If he cannot play, New England would need to adjust its defensive backfield and return responsibilities.
There was some encouraging news elsewhere in the secondary.
Carlton Davis III remained limited with a neck injury Thursday, while safety Kevin Byard III continued to participate on a limited basis despite a chest injury.
Neither player had been ruled out in the latest reporting available.
Not every development on New England's injury report was negative.
Maye was a full participant Wednesday and Thursday despite appearing on the report with a right shoulder injury.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore also made significant progress.
Barmore missed Wednesday's practice because of an illness but returned as a full participant Thursday.
His availability would be important against Green Bay's offensive line and running game.
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The Packers have their own injury concerns, particularly along the offensive line.
Center Sean Rhyan missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury, while guard Aaron Banks was limited by a knee problem.
Green Bay's offensive line situation could provide opportunities for Barmore and New England's defensive front to generate pressure on Love.
Green Bay's injury report includes several players who could influence Sunday's matchup.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon missed Thursday's practice after being limited Wednesday with a groin injury, although subsequent reporting indicated he returned to practice Friday. Watson was limited Wednesday and Thursday because of a rib injury sustained against Carolina.
Parsons also remained limited with a knee injury.
The Packers' final game-status designations had not been verified from an updated official report at the time of this review.
For New England, the most important questions entering Sunday concern how effectively Maye can operate without Brown and Henderson, whether Henry will be available, and whether Jones can contribute in the secondary.
The Patriots host Green Bay at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, November 8, at 4:25 p.m. ET.
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