The New England Patriots (4-3) needed the mini-bye to recover from their myriad of injuries, but even with 10 days in between games, they will enter Sunday’s road matchup versus the Miami Dolphins extremely shorthanded on offense. Star wide receiver AJ Brown and second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson are both being ruled out, per the team’s official X account.
Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins are already on injured reserve, so it could be slim pickings for quarterback Drake Maye. Brown is dealing with a knee issue, one that could linger by the sound of it, and Henderson is battling an illness. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will have to get mighty creative in Miami Gardens, and head coach Mike Vrabel will probably need his defense to shoulder a hefty workload.
The last-place Dolphins (1-5) are ostensibly the right opponent to work through this adversity against, but New England has suffered profusely in Hard Rock Stadium. Given the Pats’ injuries, and Maye’s habit of throwing costly interceptions this season, fans should brace themselves for a potential AFC East fight.
There are still effective players on this offense, however. Despite only averaging 3.7 yards per carry in 2026, RB Rhamondre Stevenson can get the job done on a given day. Veteran tight end Hunter Henry leads New England with 26 receptions and 296 receiving yards, finding ways to contribute in year 11. DeMario “Pop” Douglas has a team-high three touchdowns and ranks second in yards and catches. Rookie TE Eli Raridon has surpassed 55 receiving yards in two of his last three games.
And do not sleep on Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III, both of whom could be poised for productive outings following the latest injury report. The Patriots do not possess an abundance of riches by any means, but they might have enough to unleash a competent offensive game plan in Week 8.
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