The New England Patriots are heading into Sunday's AFC East matchup against the Miami Dolphins without two important offensive contributors. Wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle/knee) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (illness) have both been ruled out, creating opportunities for other players to step up in Week 8.

Brown's absence leaves the Patriots with three healthy wide receivers on their 53-man roster: DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams. With Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins also unavailable, quarterback Drake Maye could rely more heavily on tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon to keep the passing attack productive.

For fantasy football managers looking for alternatives, Douglas and Henry are two names worth monitoring. Douglas could see more opportunities working from the slot, while Henry may become a bigger part of the passing game as New England adjusts to its limited receiver depth.

Henderson's absence also puts Rhamondre Stevenson in a favorable position to handle more offensive responsibilities. The veteran running back could receive additional carries while becoming a more frequent option in the passing game, making him another potential fantasy replacement to consider.

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The matchup against Miami could also work in New England's favor. The Dolphins have struggled against opposing quarterbacks, ranking last in the NFL in pass EPA, passer rating allowed (116.8), and completion percentage allowed (76.6%).

Despite the injuries, the Patriots still have several options capable of making an impact. Maye's ability to distribute the ball could create opportunities for Douglas, Henry, and Stevenson to deliver useful fantasy production in Week 8.