New England Patriots
It remains to be seen if Brown will return to the active roster this week, but things are pointing in the right direction.
There’s a chance New England’s prized offseason addition could be back making catches as soon as this Sunday. AP Photo/Stephen Brashear
October 16, 2026 | 6:03 PM
3 minutes to read
The New England Patriots’ (3-2) Week 6 injury report looks similar to what it has in recent weeks in terms of length.
Within its contents, though, are signs of improvement among several players’ statuses.
Here’s the full breakdown of the Patriots’ final practice report ahead of their Sunday home contest against their divisional foe, the New York Jets (2-3).
Secondary still taking hits, but improvement ahead
New England ruled two players out for Week 6, and they both field the same position: cornerback.
Carlton Davis (neck) and Karon Prunty (hamstring) will each miss their second straight game after missing all three practices this week.
The Patriots made do with just three CBs against the Las Vegas Raiders last week (Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, and Kindle Vildor) and came away with a blowout win.
Although they’ll miss two with Davis and Prunty out again against the Jets, they’re officially getting their star back in Christian Gonzalez after he missed the last two contests with a shoulder injury.
The 24-year-old, who received a record-breaking four-year, $135 million contract extension from New England last month, told reporters on Wednesday that he was “ready for Sunday” after returning to practice. The team did not give Gonzalez an injury designation on Friday’s report, which suggests he’s good to go for Sunday.
Jones (ankle) and Woods (shoulder) had also made appearances on the injury report, but are also set to play after participating fully during Friday’s practice.
Although the CB room is looking better, there’s a chance the Patriots’ secondary could be a bit thin once more. Rookie CB Channing Canada (hamstring) and safety Craig Woodson (shoulder) were both deemed questionable.
Canada has missed the last two games and was limited during all three practices this week. Woodson, who played 50 snaps last week, was a full participant on Friday.
Latest on TreVeyon Henderson, Will Campbell
After a magnificent offensive showing which resulted in 45 points scored against Las Vegas, things might look a little different for quarterback Drake Maye in terms of his active teammates this weekend, both for better and worse.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) and starting left tackle Will Campbell (knee) were ruled questionable for Sunday after each sustained injuries during the Week 5 victory. The pair were limited during all three practices.
Both Henderson and Campbell could miss multiple weeks, according to reports earlier this week. They each practiced in some capacity, however, and have so far avoided landing on injured reserve, both good signs.
If Campbell can’t play, rookie Caleb Lomu will hold down Maye’s blindside. Lomu, New England’s 28th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, played 49 snaps in Campbell’s place versus the Raiders after he left the game in the second quarter.
As for Henderson, he told reporters on Friday that he’s dealing with a high ankle sprain, but indicated he’s feeling better than he did earlier in the week.
“I feel pretty good,” he said (via Evan Lazar). “We’ll see how things go.”
Henderson, who has been outspoken about his faith, said he’s putting his Week 6 status in God’s hands.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a quick healer. Honestly, it’s just the grace of God,” he said (via MassLive’s Mark Daniels). “Nothing is guaranteed, though. God-willing, I’m hoping that I’m able to play, but if I’m not, I trust what the Lord is doing in my life right now. I trust what he’s taking me through.”
Could A.J. Brown suit up?
The long-awaited return of star wide receiver A.J. Brown could be happening as soon as Sunday at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots ruled him questionable to play after he returned to practice this week for the first time since injuring his ankle in Week 1 and landing on IR.
Brown has missed the last four games, which is the minimum amount of time required to miss for a player on IR. His return to practice on Wednesday meant he could be activated to the 53-man roster at any time.
Head coach Mike Vrabel said New England won’t decide whether or not Brown will play until Saturday, one day before kickoff.
“We’ll have to see how he responds from practice today and then go from there,” Vrabel said. Brown was ultimately limited during Friday’s practice, as he was on Wednesday and Thursday.
Maye has fared better without Brown at his disposal over the last couple of games, even after losing WR Mack Hollins (calf) to IR and having just four wideouts to choose from in Week 5.
But Brown, who the Patriots traded for from the Philadelphia Eagles over the summer, gives the offense plenty more size and a veteran presence, two things any team hoping to return to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive season needs long-term at the position.
Kaley Brown
Kaley Brown is a sports producer who covers breaking and trending news about the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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