A.J. Brown missed Thursday’s practice ahead of the New England Patriots’ visit to the Miami Dolphins, adding uncertainty around a receiver Miami had made a priority in its defensive preparations.
The official Thursday injury report listed Brown as a nonparticipant with ankle and knee injuries after he was limited Wednesday. Running back TreVeyon Henderson also missed Thursday’s session, with an illness listed as the reason.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Brown’s knee problem had flared up and that his availability against Miami was uncertain. Neither player’s practice absence amounts to a ruling that he will miss Sunday’s game.
#Patriots WR AJ Brown, not spotted at practice today, is not practicing because of a knee issue that has flared up, sources say.
Brown also was listed on yesterday's injury report with an ankle. Knee was added, as well, and his status for Sunday is up in the air. pic.twitter.com/WvVJl6S6J6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2026
Brown’s latest setback follows an ankle injury that disrupted his first season in New England.
Brown suffered the injury in Week 1 and missed a month before returning to action. Thursday’s missed practice introduces another concern after that return.
Jeff Hafley has prepared Dolphins for A.J. Brown
Miami head coach Jeff Hafley explained Wednesday why Brown remained an important part of the Dolphins’ planning despite his slow start. In his Wednesday press conference, Hafley cited the experience of facing Brown three times over the previous two years.
“I don’t look at the stats of this year. I look at the player that he has been in this league,” Hafley said.
Hafley emphasized Brown’s strength, size and downfield ability, making clear that recent results had not changed his assessment of the matchup. That approach leaves Miami preparing for a dangerous receiver while New England determines whether he can play.
An absence would remove one of the receiving threats Hafley specifically identified. It would not, on its own, tell the Dolphins how New England plans to redistribute targets or change its offense, especially with Henderson also missing practice.
JuJu Brents returns as Kadyn Proctor remains sidelined
Miami’s report brought a more encouraging development at cornerback: JuJu Brents improved from no participation Wednesday to limited work Thursday with neck and concussion injuries. Guard/tackle Kadyn Proctor remained out with a concussion.
Brents wore a red, no-contact jersey as he progressed through concussion protocol. His return gives Miami a step forward in practice, though it does not establish that he has been cleared for game action.
The Dolphins recently activated safety Kyle Louis from injured reserve, restoring another defensive back to the roster. That adds depth without resolving Brents’ availability or determining Sunday’s coverage assignments.
Quarterback Malik Willis, listed with a groin injury, again practiced fully Thursday. The same was true of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who was listed with a right-shoulder injury.
The next updates will help clarify whether Miami must replace Proctor up front and whether Brents can return to game action. For now, Brown’s missed session changes the preparation picture without settling who will be available Sunday.
