Patriots Face Major Offensive Injury Questions Before Packers Game originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots opened preparations for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with several important offensive players missing practice.
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Wide receiver A.J. Brown, tight end Hunter Henry and running back TreVeyon Henderson did not participate Wednesday, according to the Patriots’ official injury report. Brown was listed with ankle and knee issues, Henry with a foot injury and Henderson with an illness.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore also missed practice because of illness, while several other New England players were limited.
The report does not establish who will be available Sunday, but it creates a significant storyline for an offense preparing to face a challenging Green Bay defense.
Brown’s absence is particularly important because the veteran receiver was expected to provide New England with a dependable top target. His season already has been interrupted by injury, and Wednesday’s report indicates that his availability remains worth monitoring.
Henry has been another important option for Maye, particularly when New England needs a reliable target in the middle of the field. Henderson provides speed and versatility in the backfield, giving the Patriots a different dimension alongside their other running backs.
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Missing all three would require adjustments from offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. New England could lean more heavily on available receivers, reserve tight ends and its remaining running backs.
Those changes would become particularly important against a Green Bay defense featuring Micah Parsons.
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The Patriots still have multiple practices before Sunday, and a Wednesday absence does not automatically mean a player will miss the game.
New England will be watching whether Brown, Henry and Henderson return to the field or remain unavailable as the week progresses. The team also will monitor Barmore, whose presence matters along the defensive front.
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The Packers have injury questions of their own, including Parsons, who was limited Wednesday with a knee issue.
For New England, the larger concern is maintaining offensive balance. Maye has the ability to make difficult throws, but protecting him and giving him dependable options remain essential.
The Patriots will have a better picture of their available personnel after the next two practices. Until then, Wednesday’s injury report provides an early warning that Sunday’s offensive game plan could require some flexibility.
