A.J. Brown is eligible to return from IR for the Patriots as TreVeyon Henderson goes down with a high-ankle sprain of his own; the Eagles sound "hopeful" Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith play Sunday.

injury

A.J. Brown nears return from IR as Henderson goes down

A.J. Brown, who has missed four games on injured reserve with a right high-ankle sprain, is now eligible to return. Coach Mike Vrabel said Monday "there is a chance" Brown plays Sunday vs. the Jets, pending how he looks in practice this week. Separately, TreVeyon Henderson left Sunday's win over the Raiders early and didn't return; Adam Schefter reported Monday that Henderson has his own high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks without surgery. Rhamondre Stevenson takes over as the lead back in the meantime.

Fantasy take

Henderson had been nearly even with Stevenson in workload through the first month of the season; Stevenson took over as the clear lead back once Henderson left Sunday's game, with Corey Kiner elevated behind him. Stevenson handled a similar workload surge late last season when Henderson was out for a stretch. Brown's eventual return would bring back a starting receiver for Drake Maye, who has leaned on Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Hunter Henry in his absence this season.

A.J. Browninjury update

WR · NE

Eligible to return from IR; "chance" he plays Week 6 vs. Jets

TreVeyon Hendersoninjury update

RB · NE

High-ankle sprain diagnosed Monday; out multiple weeks

Ripples

Rhamondre Stevensondownstream beneficiary

RB · NE

Lead back with Henderson out

Open in your rankings

injury

Eagles 'hopeful' Barkley, Smith return for Panthers

Coach Nick Sirianni said Monday he's "hopeful" both Saquon Barkley (hamstring, hurt in the Week 4 loss to the Rams) and DeVonta Smith (hamstring, out the last two games) can play Sunday vs. Carolina. Barkley sat out Sunday's 19-17 loss to Jacksonville in London. Sirianni cautioned it's still early in the week and neither player's availability is locked in.

Fantasy take

Barkley hasn't had a full practice since hurting his hamstring in the Week 4 loss to the Rams, and Sirianni's comments Monday are the first sign the team expects him back on a normal timeline rather than week-to-week. Smith's hamstring has cost him time in three separate stretches since August camp, with Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon absorbing his route share each time he's been out.