Patriots Injury Report Flips the Script Ahead of Jets Clash

High ankle sprains used to mean a month in a walking boot and a sad sideline interview. Now, guys apparently just rub some dirt on it and get ready for the New York Jets.

According to Ian Rapoport, New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson and left tackle Will Campbell are both likely to play this Sunday despite carrying questionable tags. Throw in the return of wide receiver AJ Brown, and New England is suddenly staring at a fully operational offense.

"Ian Rapoport reported that Henderson and Campbell are 'likely to play' and that 'NE is close to full health.'"

The Henderson update is the real head-scratcher here. He suffered a high-ankle sprain just last week during a 45-17 blowout over the Las Vegas Raiders. The initial forecast had him missing multiple games, which is standard for an injury that usually requires a small scooter to navigate the grocery store.

Instead, he is back to build on his 163 rushing yards. Having Campbell back to anchor the blindside is just as critical, especially since the offensive line has been a revolving door of ice packs and tape.

Then there is the AJ Brown factor. The star receiver has been a ghost so far this season, logging just three catches for 26 yards while dealing with his own ankle issues. Getting him back on the perimeter completely changes the math for a defense that now has to respect the deep ball.

For anyone staring at the betting board for this AFC East clash, this injury dump flips the entire handicap. The Jets are dragging themselves into Foxborough after an ugly 17-12 loss to the Cleveland Browns, and now they have to face a Patriots team that just got all its infinity stones back.

We will find out exactly how healthy "close to full health" actually is when the inactives drop on Sunday afternoon. If Henderson and Brown are truly moving at full speed, New York is going to need a lot more than a good game plan to survive the weekend.