After forgetting about Diana Russini, Mike Vrabel's latest headache involves Patriots player

Mike Vrabel 's difficult period in New England ha s taken another frustrating turn, with the Patriots losing star wide receiver A.J. Brown to injury just as the team attempts to establish momentum in the AFC playoff race.

The latest setback comes after months of unwanted attention surrounding Vrabel 's relationship with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini , but his immediate concerns are now firmly focused on a depleted offense preparing to face the Miami Dolphins .

Brown has officially been ruled out of Sunday's divisional matchup after suffering a knee problem during Wednesday's practice, dealing another blow to a Patriots team already struggling with injuries at several offensive positions.

The 29-year-old arrived from the Philadelphia Eagles in a high-profile offseason trade, but his first campaign in New England has been disrupted by physical problems that have prevented him from establishing a consistent connection with quarterback Drake Maye .

Brown initially suffered a high ankle sprain during the season opener against Seattle, forcing him onto injured reserve for four games. He returned earlier in October but managed just six receptions for 75 yards across two appearances.

Brown 's latest absence has raised questions about his physical condition, particularly after reports suggested his knee problems were related to an issue he had managed during previous seasons.

The receiver was unable to complete Wednesday's practice and subsequently missed both Thursday and Friday's sessions, prompting New England to downgrade him from questionable to out on Saturday.

"Just wasn't able to finish practice on Wednesday, so we continue to treat him and we'll see where he is," Vrabel told reporters on Friday.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Brown 's knee had flared up, rather than the ankle injury responsible for his earlier absence, creating a separate concern for the Patriots ' medical staff.

Vrabel maintained that the organization hadn't rushed Brown back into action, describing the ankle and knee problems as separate issues while declining to speculate about how long the receiver might remain unavailable.

His absence means Brown will have missed five of New England's opening eight games, an increasingly frustrating return from a player expected to transform the team's passing attack.

Patriots face major offensive challenge

Brown 's absence leaves Maye without his leading receiver, placing additional responsibility on DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III to provide production against Miami.

Tight end Hunter Henry could also become a more important receiving option, particularly with New England already missing Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs through injuries.

The Patriots have additional concerns at running back, where TreVeyon Henderson has also been ruled out because of illness, further reducing the options available to Vrabel 's offense.

New England entered Week 8 with a 4-3 record, making Sunday's meeting with the Dolphins an important opportunity to strengthen its position in the AFC East standings.

The longer-term concern surrounds Brown 's availability, with the Patriots hoping his latest setback doesn't develop into another extended absence.

Vrabel must now find a way to maintain offensive production without one of his most accomplished players, while New England waits for a clearer indication of when its biggest offseason acquisition can return.