A.J. Brown's knee flares up and TreVeyon Henderson sits Patriots practice

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown did not practice Thursday because of a knee issue that flared up, according to NFL Network sources. Running back TreVeyon Henderson was also missing from the field with an ankle injury, with both absences noted by Underdog NFL and the Boston Herald.

What's confirmed. Brown was on Wednesday's injury report with an ankle problem. The knee is new this week, and he did not take part in Thursday's session. His status for Sunday's game at Miami (4:25 PM ET) is uncertain. Henderson was left off Wednesday's initial report entirely, so his Thursday absence came without warning.

What's still open. Neither player has a game designation yet. The Patriots haven't said whether Henderson re-aggravated the ankle he sprained in the Week 5 win over the Raiders, though that is the obvious concern.

Brown is the one that moves lineups. He came off injured reserve on Oct. 18, only 11 days ago. A new injury piled on top of an existing one, in a short week of practice, is the kind of combination that turns a routine questionable tag into a game-time call. With a late-afternoon kickoff, managers will at least get inactives before most of Sunday's lineups lock.

Henderson's case is smaller for this week and bigger for the long run. He has suited up in each of the last two games but played limited snaps behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Head coach Mike Vrabel said Tuesday he wanted to get Henderson more touches, including on kickoff returns. That plan is on hold if the ankle is acting up again. A second ankle setback in a month also raises the question of whether New England keeps easing him in rather than expanding his role.

What RSO owners should do now. If you start Brown, pick a backup receiver from a 4:25 PM or later game so you can pivot after inactives. Henderson owners shouldn't plan on him as a flex this week. Keep him rostered, since he is a second-year back on a four-year rookie contract, and Stevenson remains the back to start in New England.

What to watch next. Friday's practice participation and the final injury report for both players, and any word from Vrabel on whether Brown's knee is a one-game issue.