The New England Patriots will wait for the weekend before making a final call on No. 1.
A.J. Brown headlines the team’s questionable to face the Miami Dolphins after going from a limited participant to missing consecutive practices to end AFC East prep. The three-time All-Pro wide receiver is dealing with a knee issue that flared up while also working back from the high ankle sprain that sent him to injured reserve in September.
“His status is questionable, like some other players,” head coach Mike
Vrabel told reporters on Friday. “We’ll see how he comes in tomorrow and we’ll make a decision.”
Running back TreVeyon Henderson and linebacker Christian Elliss are also among New England’s questionable for Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.
Here’s the early game statuses.
QUESTIONABLE
Patriots
- RB TreVeyon Henderson (illness)
- WR A.J. Brown (knee, ankle)
- LB Christian Elliss (chest)
Dolphins
- TBA
Brown has played 101 out of 122 offensive snaps since being activated midway through October. The June trade acquisition has caught six passes for 75 yards through those two starts. And with fellow veterans Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins both on injured reserve, the Patriots stand with three healthy wide receivers on the 53-man roster in DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams.
“Just like everything else when you come out of the game or a long week, practice on Monday and evaluate the player. Just wasn’t able to finish practice on Wednesday,” Vrabel said. “So we continue to treat him and we’ll see where he is tomorrow.”
In addition to Brown’s recent absences, Henderson was not spotted for back-to-back practices because of an illness. The sophomore running back has logged 203 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and one touchdown through 57 touches this fall for an active depth chart also featuring Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner.
As for Elliss, the off-ball linebacker has been a full participant for the past two weeks while managing a chest injury. He ranks atop the Patriots’ defense with 51 tackles through seven starts and has tacked on one sack, one forced fumble and a handful of quarterback hits.
“We’re really here focused on trying to get a win on the road in the division,” added Vrabel, “and we’ll make a decision on the guys that are questionable tomorrow.”
