Two of the Patriots’ pending free agents won’t play in Sunday’s season finale

Have tight end Hunter Henry (ankle) and tackle Trent Brown (illness) played their last game for the New England Patriots? There's a strong chance as both players - who are set to be free agents after the season - have been ruled out for Sunday's season finale.

Henry will miss his third game in a row after getting hurt late in the Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to this three-game stretch he hadn't missed a game in his three years in New England.

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As for Brown, he'll miss his second game in a row, third in the last four weeks, and sixth of the season. Brown's role has steadily decreased since Halloween as he's dealt with injuries and illness. New reports also indicate Brown's level of focus may have been an issue down the stretch.

With both players' season's now officially wrapped up, we can take an early look ahead. There is a strong argument for the Patriots bringing Henry back. Not only has he been one of their most productive pass catchers since signing in 2021 (he's second in catches, third in yards, and first in touchdowns in that time), but also a veteran leader on the offensive side of the ball. This season, he was named a captain for the first time.

The biggest question with Henry will be whether or not he wants to come back.  At 29 years old, does he want to play for a rebuilding team on the offensive side of the ball, or join a contender and try to make a run at a title. Henry has played in just two playoff games in his eight-year NFL career - a Chargers' Divisional Round loss to the Patriots in 2019, and the Patriots' Wild Card loss to the Bills in 2021.

As for Brown, he's had a tumultuous season after an overall solid career between two stints in New England. Based on recent comments from him and other reporting, it stands to reason his time in New England may be coming to an end.

In addition to ruling Henry and Brown out the Patriots also listed 12 players as questionable for Sunday. That includes two players added to the injury report on Friday - wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (ankle) and safety Jalen Mills (ankle). Both were limited on Friday.

The Jets ruled four players out, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles). That makes it official that Rodgers won't make his return this year after tearing his Achilles in the season opener.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.