A.J. Brown’s Injury Compounds Patriots’ Troubles

The New England Patriots faced further challenges following their recent defeat against the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. It was confirmed on Thursday that their star wide receiver, A.J. Brown, suffered a high ankle sprain. According to several reports, this injury could sideline him for three to six weeks.

Head coach Mike Vrabel commented on the situation. “I don’t know if he’ll be available going forward here for the next week, but we’ll see,” he stated. “Once we get the report, we’ll figure out what the treatment plan is.”

A.J. Brown, wearing the No. 1 jersey for the Patriots, was assisted off the field during the third quarter against the Seahawks, following an incomplete pass attempt. During the play, Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett’s knee collided with Brown’s ankle, resulting in the sprain. Initially labeled as questionable, Brown was eventually unable to return to the game. Before his exit, he recorded three catches for 26 yards and drew a defensive pass interference penalty that led to the Patriots’ only touchdown.

The Patriots had recently acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for first- and fifth-round picks in the 2028 and 2027 NFL Drafts, hoping he could become quarterback Drake Maye’s primary target. While with the Eagles, Brown proved resilient, missing only six games over four seasons and completing all 17 games in two separate seasons.

With Brown absent, Maye will look to Romeo Doubs, who landed a four-year, $68 million deal with the Patriots, along with teammates Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas, and Kyle Williams. Doubs, however, had a critical drop in the fourth quarter that cost the team a first down. This misstep led to Maye throwing an interception on the drive, one of three turnovers he committed in the final quarter.

The Patriots, facing an early setback with an 0-1 record, will aim for a turnaround as they head to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.