The New England Patriots managed to win back-to-back games without No. 1 wide receiver A.J. Brown and top cornerback Christian Gonzalez. In last week’s blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Patriots lost running back TreVeyon Henderson to what was diagnosed as a high ankle sprain and left tackle Will Campbell to a knee injury that was compared to his MCL sprain he dealt with in 2025.
The Patriots were expected to be shorthanded once again for their Week 6 home game against the New York Jets.
That’s why NFL Insider Ian Rapoport’s “close to full health” report early Sunday morning was worth a double take.
On Saturday, the team announced that Brown would be activated off injured reserve, meaning he’ll play his first snaps for the Patriots since the third quarter of the season opener back on Sept. 9. Gonzalez told reporters Wednesday that he’s “ready to go” after missing back-to-back games with a shoulder injury.
Question: How are you feeling?
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 14, 2026
Christian Gonzalez: “Good. Ready to go for Sunday.” pic.twitter.com/n2Ib4IOH1q
Henderson and Campbell? No one saw them suiting up this week, even after both were able to practice Wednesday through Friday in a limited capacity.
Per Rapoport’s sources, “both are likely to play against the Jets.”
Patriots could be as close to full strength as they've been all season against Jets
New England’s official inactives will be announced about 90 minutes prior to kickoff, but the Jets are about to get the Patriots’ best punch.
Starting cornerback Carlton Davis was ruled out on Friday along with rookie defensive back Karon Prunty. The Patriots did not activate offensive tackle Marcus Bryant off IR, meaning his practice window will extend into next week.
New England also left running back Lan Larison on the practice squad Saturday, which hinted that Henderson was trending toward playing. It's a shocker, considering high ankle sprains are often multi-week injuries.
Henderson himself said he was surprised with how his ankle responded this week.
"I feel pretty good. I think I'm getting better. We'll see how things continue to go, the decision that we all end up making," Henderson said. "Honestly, I was surprised. I felt a little bit different than what they diagnosed it as and what the MRI showed. So, yeah, I'm hoping that I'm able to be out there with the guys and try to help this team continue to win games."
The Patriots did elevate safety Elliott Davison for Sunday’s game, likely as insurance for Craig Woodson, who’s been managing his own shoulder issue. Woodson got in a full practice on Friday, though, so he should be on the right side of questionable.
This story will be updated when the Week 6 inactives are announced!
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