New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after a knee flare-up sidelined him for two games.
Patriots Prepare for Germany Trip and Lions Matchup
The Patriots worked out inside Gillette Stadium ahead of their international trip as the team works out inside Gillette Stadium to prepare for a matchup against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the wide receiver’s status as the team prepares to cross the Atlantic.
AJ Brown is back at practice for the Patriots. He’s first up in receiver drills as the team works out inside Gillette Stadium ahead of their trip overseas. pic.twitter.com/w6UNyl6Qe2
Yeah, we’ll see what he can do.
Mike Vrabel, head coach
Vrabel said that most everybody but a few guys are going to go to Germany, adding the receiver to that traveling group. Traveling overseas does not guarantee an active roster spot for Sunday’s kickoff.
There’s going to be guys that go to Germany that won’t play.
Mike Vrabel, head coach
Vrabel said that he doesn’t know who those will be regarding inactive players on the trip. Brown was spotted heading to practice in cleats, and his presence on the practice field offers an encouraging sign for a passing offense that has leaned heavily on quarterback Drake Maye and supporting targets. Maye has managed much of the campaign with a depleted receiving corps, leaning on secondary pass-catchers during prolonged absences.
"I don't believe we will see him (A. J. Brown) the rest of the season." Could the A. J. Brown trade be MORE "Dumb" and Damaging" than the Antonio Brown trade?! pic.twitter.com/MPMnZnpjYc
When Brown previously returned to action earlier in the year against the New York Jets, he commanded work by playing a high percentage of offensive snaps and drawing double-digit targets. His potential availability for Week 10 or the subsequent stretch run provides a boost to the aerial attack, even as supporting options like DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and tight end Hunter Henry adjust to fluctuating target shares.
Three Players Ruled Out for Munich Contest
The Patriots formally ruled out three players for the Munich contest due to injuries sustained during their recent game against the Green Bay Packers. Running back TreVeyon Henderson, cornerback Carlton Davis, and guard Ben Brown were all ruled out on Wednesday. Henderson is managing a neurological issue, while Davis and Ben Brown both sustained knee injuries in the loss to Green Bay.
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| TreVeyon Henderson | Running Back | Ruled Out |
| Carlton Davis | Cornerback | Ruled Out |
| Ben Brown | Guard | Ruled Out |
Adding to the team’s depth concerns, running back Rhamondre Stevenson missed practice with a knee injury, while safety Kevin Byard (chest), fullback Reggie Gilliam (knee), tight end Hunter Henry (foot), right tackle Morgan Moses (foot), guard Greg Van Roten (hamstring), and cornerback Charles Woods (hamstring) were listed as limited participants alongside A.J. Brown.
Tight end Cameron Latu (back), guard Walter Rouse (concussion), and safety Brenden Schooler (hamstring) missed practice entirely. Quarterback Drake Maye participated fully despite a right shoulder designation.
New England released tight end Tanner Arkin from the active roster and brought him back to the practice squad, opening up flexibility to activate another player from injured reserve. Vrabel said that the team is considering activating guard Greg Van Roten from injured reserve, and that fullback Reggie Gilliam will return to practice.
@AdamSchefter weighs in on A. J. Brown's injury and what it could mean for the Patriots going forward 🏈 pic.twitter.com/FPyQ5ZpE3t
Robert Spillane Clarifies Remarks About Player Efforts
Linebacker Robert Spillane addressed media remarks he made following the team’s defeat to Green Bay, clarifying his intent during a conversation with reporters.
What I was trying to relay, from my understanding, every man that I’ve talked to pours so much into this game, has so much pride in what they what they do on Sundays.
Robert Spillane, linebacker
“So I never question that in any man, and nobody in this locker room has given me reason to question their efforts,” linebacker Robert Spillane said as the squad prepares for the Lions. Safety Kevin Byard also spoke out regarding the team’s standing, saying that the squad’s margin for error is getting smaller as they sit at 5-4.
The #Patriots are practicing before heading to Munich. WR AJ Brown & FB Reggie Gilliam are practicing. Players absent: Ben Brown Walter Rouse Brenden Schooler Cameron Latu Carlton Davis Rhamondre Stevenson TreVeyon Henderson pic.twitter.com/8Fi9bCQWLD
More on A.J. Brown
Patriots injury report: DID NOT PARTICIPATE⁰G/C Ben Brown – Knee (OUT)⁰CB Carlton Davis III – Knee (OUT)⁰RB TreVeyon Henderson – Illness (OUT)⁰TE Cameron Latu – Back ⁰OL Walter Rouse – Concussion Protocol⁰S Brenden Schooler – Hamstring⁰RB Rhamondre Stevenson – Knee…
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel says WR A. J. Brown will travel to Germany.
