Just when New England Patriots star AJ Brown thought he'd kicked the injury bug, the 29-year-old receiver is suddenly questionable for Sunday's game in Miami after missing multiple practices this week with a knee issue.

Brown's status for Sunday was revealed by head coach Mike Vrabel after the veteran was inactive at Friday's practice.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection was acquired by the reigning-AFC champions in an offseason trade but suffered an ankle injury in his Week 1 debut as the Patriots fell to the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks.

Brown was activated on October 17 but has now missed back-to-back practices with what the team has listed as an 'ankle/knee' problem.

For a 4-3 New England team preparing to travel to Miami to face the Dolphins on Sunday, the issue could force a roster move. 

The Patriots currently have only three healthy receivers: DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs is on IR with a shoulder problem while Mack Hollins has been sidelined with a calf injury.

In two games since his return from the ankle issue, Brown has seen extensive action with 102 snaps and six catches for 75 yards over that time.

He has admittedly missed some of his pre-injury explosiveness, but told reporters Wednesday he was 'pushing through.'

'None of that stuff matters,' Brown said before Wednesday's practice, where he was limited. 'I'm out here, so I'm going.'

Brown has been a costly acquisition for the Patriots, who surrendered a 2028 first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for the receiver they hoped would replace Stefon Diggs as quarterback Drake Maye's top target.

Diggs is now in Washington after being denied the long-term deal he was looking for in New England.

Brown, meanwhile, is signed through the 2029 season, when he will count $23.5 million against the Patriots' cap figure.

For the 2026 season, Brown has nine receptions over three games for 101 yards.