Henderson first appeared on Thursday’s injury report with the sickness and could not practice on Friday. The medical staff decided holding him out provides the safest path toward a full recovery. Therefore, Henderson won’t suit up vs Dolphins.

His absence adds to New England’s growing offensive concerns ahead of kickoff in South Florida. Fans also wonder why AJ Brown isn’t playing for the Patriots vs Dolphins in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, leaving the offense shorthanded across multiple positions.

The Patriots still have Rhamondre Stevenson vs Dolphins

Fortunately for head coach Jerod Mayo, veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains fully prepared to anchor the backfield. Stevenson leads New England with 285 rushing yards this NFL season and commands heavy early-down touches. His bruising running style creates physical push between the tackles against a vulnerable Miami defense.

Miami ranks among the league’s weaker units against the run, offering Stevenson room to establish tempo. With Henderson unavailable, rookie backup Corey Kiner will serve as Stevenson’s change-of-pace replacement on third downs. Stevenson should see his heaviest touch volume of the campaign as New England controls clock.

Henderson has failed to capture the RB1 spot

Henderson entered his sophomore season aiming to bench Stevenson, and become the primary weapon in the backfield. However, persistent inconsistency and minor injuries have relegated the former Ohio State star to rotational duty. He missed the season opener with an ankle sprain and has struggled to string together productive performances.

Through six appearances this year, Henderson has managed just 203 rushing yards and one touchdown on 52 carries. He averages a modest 3.9 yards per attempt and saw only three carries last week in Chicago. Stevenson continues to hold a firm grip on the starting job while Henderson works to earn trust.

Key takeaways

• TreVeyon Henderson was ruled out against the Dolphins due to an acute illness.
• Rhamondre Stevenson leads New England with 285 rushing yards this season.
• TreVeyon Henderson has managed 203 rushing yards and one touchdown through six appearances.

The sudden setback compounds ongoing ankle and knee issues that have hindered the veteran wideout. Team medical staff determined that Brown cannot safely suit up this week vs Dolphins.

AJ Brown‘s absence leaves New England’s wide receiver room dangerously thin for quarterback Drake Maye to connect with. With Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins already on injured reserve, slot specialist DeMario Douglas steps up alongside Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III.

Brown’s debut season has been injury filled

Brown’s first year in Foxborough has turned into an ongoing medical nightmare. He suffered a severe high-ankle sprain in Week 1 that forced the Patriots to place him on short-term injured reserve. Just two weeks after returning to the gridiron, this new knee complication puts his availability on pause again.

Persistent physical setbacks have prevented Brown from establishing any sustained rhythm in New England’s passing attack. Instead of spearheading the offense, the marquee offseason acquisition spends crucial game days unable to play.

When playing, Brown has been underwhelming

When healthy enough to dress, Brown has performed well below his usual All-Pro standards. According to Pro-Football-Reference, he has secured just nine receptions on 20 targets across three appearances. He hasn’t helped Drake Maye at all.

Those catches have yielded only 101 receiving yards and zero touchdowns, reflecting a mere 11.2 yards per reception. Uncharacteristic mistakes have also plagued his game, resulting in three official drops and a disappointing 45% catch rate.

Key takeaways

• The Patriots downgraded AJ Brown to out for Sunday’s matchup against Miami.
• AJ Brown suffered a severe high-ankle sprain during Week 1 of the season.
• AJ Brown has recorded nine receptions on 20 targets across three appearances.

Brown continues to battle bad luck with his health in his debut campaign with New England. A knee issue flared up during workouts this week, compounding the ankle injury that previously cost him four games.

The star wideout sat out practice on Thursday and Friday after participating on Wednesday. Head coach staff members determined Brown cannot play vs Dolphins, leaving quarterback Drake Maye without his primary boundary target.

TreVeyon Henderson’s absence is not as rough as Brown’s

Henderson will miss Sunday’s AFC East battle after failing to overcome a persistent illness. The second-year running back skipped consecutive practices this week before team doctors ruled him out.

Fortunately for New England, the backfield remains well-equipped to withstand Henderson’s short-term absence. Rhamondre Stevenson will shoulder the primary rushing workload against a vulnerable Miami defensive front.

Pats WR depth chart vs Dolphins without Brown is thin

Brown’s absence completely guts New England’s receiving corps ahead of kickoff. Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins already sit on injured reserve, leaving the depth chart dangerously depleted.

Slot wideout DeMario Douglas now takes over as Maye‘s top remaining passing target. Rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III must step up into heavy boundary snaps against Miami’s secondary.

Key takeaways

• The Patriots downgraded AJ Brown and TreVeyon Henderson to out on Saturday.
• TreVeyon Henderson was ruled out due to a persistent illness.
• DeMario Douglas becomes Drake Maye’s top target with New England’s receivers depleted.

Kmet was having a very good game and after a catch, he got tackled by two Patriots defenders and his knee tweaked very bad. He then has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

This is a big blow as Kmet is one of the most well-regarded players on the Bears locker room. He was also having a key role on the Bears leading this game at the point of his exit.

Cole Kmet stats before the injury

Kmet had three catches for 28 yards. Since last year, he stopped being the best receiver at the tight end position for the Bears. However, he is still used but he’s also heavily featured as a run-blocker, where he excels.

Usually, knee injuries are ones that sideline the players for months, many times there are season-ending injuries. Given the fact that Kmet had to be stretchered out, the optics aren’t good, though there’s no official diagnostic yet.

Bears updated TE depth chart without Kmet

Kmet was the second tight end on the depth chart behind Colston Loveland. Now, the Bears will have to use another tight ends. Hence, it’s time for them to go deep into the depth chart:

• Colston Loveland
• Sam Roush
• Stephen Carlson (practice squad)

Key takeaways

• Cole Kmet was stretchered off with a knee injury against the New England Patriots.
• Cole Kmet recorded three catches for 28 yards prior to exiting the game.
• Colston Loveland leads the Chicago Bears tight end depth chart following Kmet’s departure.

Henderson’s full availability provides a key boost to a New England backfield that has relied heavily on a committee approach. While his volume has fluctuated over the last month—rushing seven times for 31 yards in Week 6 against the New York Jets and four times for 22 yards against the Raiders—Henderson’s ankle looks significantly healthier heading into this matchup. Having his home-run speed and pass-catching versatility at 100% capacity gives quarterback Drake Maye another dangerous outlet to stretch the defense.

Facing a stingy Chicago Bears defense that allows just 90.5 rushing yards per game, New England will need a physical and disciplined ground effort to keep the sticks moving. Henderson’s presence alongside Rhamondre Stevenson gives the Patriots a dynamic one-two punch capable of controlling tempo and keeping Chicago’s high-powered offense off the field.

TreVeyon Henderson’s will play for Patriots vs Bears

Despite battling through an ankle ailment in recent weeks, TreVeyon Henderson has maintained a consistent presence in New England’s weekly offensive game plan:

• Health Upgrade: Logged full practice sessions throughout the short week, officially clearing his game status.
• Season Production: On 49 rushing carries this season, Henderson has collected 194 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
• Matchup Challenge: Chicago’s front seven has surrendered 100 or more rushing yards to only one individual back all season, making efficiency crucial on early downs.

Why Henderson’s speed is vital for the Patriots against Chicago

Controlling the clock and sustaining long drives will be paramount for New England against a Bears squad averaging over 30 points in recent outings. Henderson’s ability to bounce runs outside and burst through interior gaps creates big-play threat potential on any given snap.

If Maye and the Patriots can establish the run early, Henderson’s open-field agility could turn short check-downs into high-leverage gains, helping New England balance its attack and push for a crucial Week 7 victory.

Key takeaways

• TreVeyon Henderson is fully healthy and playing today against the Chicago Bears after practice participation upgraded to full.
• The running back was removed from the final injury report following three full practice sessions.
• Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson face a Bears defense holding opponents to just 90.5 rushing yards per game.

Caleb Williams recovered from a hamstring strain and came back for the Bears last week. So, Caleb Williams is playing for the Bears vs Patriots. He improves the Bears offense massively. However, the Bears know how to win without him too.

As for the Patriots, Drake Maye is on a recovery streak after a bad start to the season. However, the last few games have seen him go back to being a top-tier signal-caller.

Bears QB depth chart vs Patriots

With Caleb Williams back, he is undoubtedly the starting quarterback of the team. He should go hard on the Patriots. However, if for some reason, he is not able to complete the game, there is a reputable backup. This is the QB depth chart vs Patriots:

• Caleb Williams
• Tyson Bagent
• Case Keenum

Patriots QB depth chart vs Bears

Maye will start under center and the Patriots hope he is able to compete and win the game. Overall, they want him to stay healthy. If by any reason he is not able to complete the game, this is the full depth chart:

• Drake Maye
• Tommy DeVito
• Behren Morton

Key takeaways

• The Patriots face the Bears in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football.
• Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring strain to start at quarterback for the Bears.
• Drake Maye will start under center for the Patriots against the Bears.

The WR made his long-awaited return in Week 6 against the Jets, but his first game back featured significant rust and missed opportunities. Drake Maye peppered his star receiver with 10 targets, but Brown managed just 3 receptions for 27 yards and was charged with three costly drops, along with a late-game fumbled onside kick recovery that New England fortunately recovered. Despite the rocky performance, having Brown back on the field gave Maye a true top option, and another week of full practice reps should have the duo operating on much better timing today.

Today’s matchup against Chicago carries the potential to turn into a fast-paced, high-scoring shootout. With Caleb Williams and the explosive Bears offense fresh off a 305-yard masterclass performance in Week 6, New England cannot afford a sluggish offensive start. Having a fully healthy A.J. Brown gives Maye the premier perimeter playmaker required to match Chicago point-for-point.

Is AJ Brown active today for Patriots vs Bears?

Yes. A.J. Brown is active today for the Patriots against the Bears. Brown’s 2026 campaign hit an immediate speed bump when he sustained a high-ankle sprain during New England’s season opener against Seattle. High-ankle sprains are notoriously difficult for explosive wideouts due to the pressure placed on pushing off and making sharp lateral cuts.

• Week 1 Injury: Sustained a high-ankle sprain against the Seahawks and was placed on IR.
• 4-Game Absence: Missed games against the Raiders, Dolphins, Bills, and Texans while undergoing rehabilitation.
• Week 6 Return: Activated for the Jets game, recording 3 catches on 10 targets for 27 yards.
• Week 7 Status: Practice participation upgraded to full; completely removed from the final injury report.

While Maye and the Patriots offense leaned on tight ends and rotational targets during Brown’s absence, today’s game plan requires a dominant WR1 presence. Chicago’s defense has shown vulnerabilities against physical, boundary receivers, setting up Brown for a major bounce-back performance.

Eliminating the drop issues that plagued him against the Jets will be critical. If Maye and Brown can re-establish their downfield chemistry early, New England will possess the big-play capability needed to keep pace with the Bears’ high-octane passing attack and secure a crucial Week 7 victory.

Key takeaways

• A.J. Brown is fully healthy and playing today against the Chicago Bears after being removed from the Patriots’ injury report.
• Brown missed four games after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
• After struggling with 3 drops on 10 targets in his Week 6 return against the Jets, Brown is primed for a much larger role in a potential shootout against Chicago.

After sitting out three games to rehabilitate the tweak, the former No. 1 overall pick removed all doubt about his health with a dominant performance last week, and he enters today’s matchup completely off Chicago’s final injury report.

Williams proved he was back to 100% in Week 6, leading the Bears to a thrilling 31-23 road victory over the Atlanta Falcons. In one of the most efficient outings of his young NFL career, Williams carved up Atlanta’s defense, completing 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards, one touchdown, and a sparkling 111.2 passer rating. His stellar play earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season, confirming that his hamstring is fully healed and his arm talent remains elite.

Chicago Bears QB depth chart vs Patriots

With Caleb Williams returning to his unquestioned spot as QB1, Chicago’s quarterback room provides a stable blend of talented youth and seasoned backup depth.

• QB1: Caleb Williams: Fully healthy and no longer listed on the injury report, Williams takes the reins as the focal point of the Bears’ aggressive passing attack.
• QB2: Tyson Bagent: The third-year signal-caller filled in admirably during Williams’ three-game absence, keeping the Bears afloat with smart decision-making and efficient game management.
• QB3: Case Keenum: The veteran journeyman provides invaluable leadership and preparation support in the film room for both Williams and Bagent.

Why Caleb Williams’ health changes the dynamic against New England

Having Caleb Williams under center completely changes how opposing defensive coordinators must game-plan against Chicago. Unlike his injury-restricted weeks, Williams showed no hesitation stepping up in the pocket or extending plays outside the tackle box against Atlanta.

• Complete Playbook Availability: Coach Johnson can utilize full play-action, bootlegs, and QB-designed movement concepts without worrying about Williams protecting his leg.
• Weapons Unlocked: Williams’ pinpoint accuracy elevates top receiving targets Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, creating mismatches across all three levels of the field.
• Playoff Trajectory: At 4-2, securing a victory against New England keeps Chicago firmly entrenched in the wild-card and division hunt as the season approaches its midpoint.

Facing a banged-up Patriots defense missing key pieces in the secondary and interior offensive line, Williams is poised to keep Chicago’s momentum rolling. Head Coach Ben Johnson’s offense relies heavily on Caleb’s off-platform playmaking and deep-ball accuracy, and having him operating at full speed makes the 4-2 Bears a formidable threat in a competitive NFC North race.

Key takeaways

• Caleb Williams is playing today against the New England Patriots after being completely removed from the Chicago Bears’ injury report.
• Williams proved he is fully recovered from his hamstring injury by throwing for 305 yards and a TD on 30-of-36 passing against the Falcons, earning NFC Player of the Week honors.
• Caleb leads the Bears’ depth chart as QB1, backed up by Tyson Bagent and veteran Case Keenum.

“We turn the ball over at a historic rate, and it’s ridiculous,” Vrabel said on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” “It’s an embarrassment.” It’s clear that wins often bring a sense of relief, but they also highlight plenty of areas that still need improvement.

While Drake Maye hasn’t turned the ball over in the past two games, some of his teammates haven’t been as fortunate. Now, it’s up to Vrabel to address this issue throughout the week and continue to minimize the team’s margin for error.

Taking better care of the football

Ball security has been an absolute nightmare for New England through the early stretch of the 2026 season, with the Patriots coughing up 10 total turnovers (including 7 interceptions and 3 lost fumbles) to sit tied near the bottom of the league in giveaways. Drake Maye has absorbed the brunt of those mistakes as the starting quarterback, responsible for the vast majority of those airborne picks as he navigates defensive coverage and works through his progression reads.

To turn things around and protect their top-10 defense from constantly defending short fields, the Patriots need to radically simplify Maye’s checkdowns, clean up pre-snap execution, and emphasize high-and-tight ball security across the backfield. If they can’t stop gifting opponents free possessions, they’ll keep leaving winnable games on the table.

Key takeaways

• Mike Vrabel called the New England Patriots’ high rate of turnovers “an embarrassment.”
• Drake Maye has gone two consecutive games without turning the ball over.
• The Patriots have committed 10 total turnovers through the early 2026 season.

Mike Vrabel has spent the first five weeks of the season navigating obstacles, including injuries. However, signs of good news are slowly beginning to emerge in Foxborough.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport via his X account, TreVeyon Henderson and Will Campbell are also likely to play in this divisional matchup. Both players were listed as questionable heading into the game.

AJ Brown has put his injury behind him

A.J. Brown suffered a severe high ankle sprain in Week 1 during his New England Patriots debut against the Seattle Seahawks. The injury occurred in the third quarter after a tackle, forcing him out of the game and leading the team to place him on Injured Reserve (IR).

Fortunately, it didn’t require surgery, but it sidelined him for four straight games. The good news is he just had his 21-day practice window opened and was officially activated off IR ahead of Week 6.

Maye’s options through the air

Although Brown arrived in Foxborough as the team’s WR1, his early-season injury forced Drake Maye to rely on other players to attack opposing defenses through the air.

Key takeaways

• A.J. Brown is expected to return for the New England Patriots against the New York Jets.
• TreVeyon Henderson and Will Campbell are also likely to play in this divisional matchup according to Ian Rapoport.
• A.J. Brown suffered a severe high ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Brown returned to practice this week, making strong progress, as he will not be on injured reserve for Week 6. That opens the door for him to suit up on Sunday, which prompted an analogy from Maye regarding the receiver’s return.

“I think you see it in the NBA; it’s probably the closest thing that I can think of,” Maye said earlier this week, per ESPN. “When they start doubling the best player once they get past half court, then they’re just leaving a corner 3 open or leaving a guy open for a dunk. So it’s kind of like playing receiver with a guy like that. We’ve got a lot of guys that have made plays now, so it’s going to be tough on defenses. But I know we’ve got a tough challenge this week, so looking forward to it.”

A.J. Brown activated alongside other roster moves

The team announced Saturday that it activated wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) off injured reserve, while also elevating safety Elliott Davison from the practice squad and releasing running back Hassan Haskins.

Brown, the Patriots‘ marquee offseason addition, caught three passes in the regular-season opener before suffering a high ankle sprain early in the third quarter.

Brown—whom the Patriots acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick—was subsequently placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for the next four games.

Brown enters the game carrying a questionable designation after remaining limited throughout practice all week. With the transaction, the Patriots’ 53-man roster is now full. Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, who returned to practice this week after suffering an ankle injury during the preseason, was not activated. The team has two more weeks to activate him before his NFL season ends.

Key takeaways

• Drake Maye used an NBA comparison to describe A.J. Brown’s playmaking influence.
• A.J. Brown was activated off injured reserve by the New England Patriots on Saturday.
• A questionable designation is carried by A.J. Brown heading into Week 6.