Sources: Pats WR Brown’s status up in air due to new knee ailment

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown missed practice on Thursday after a knee issue flared up alongside his previous right ankle injury. His availability for Sunday's matchup against the Miami Dolphins remains uncertain, according to sources reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Brown had recently returned from injured reserve on Oct. 14 after suffering a right high ankle sprain in the season opener.

Thursday's practice was held in full pads, leaving DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III as the only healthy receivers on the 53-man roster. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels acknowledged that Brown is still working his way back into form after playing just eight quarters across two games following a long absence.