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New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to miss some time due to an injury sustained during the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the team believes Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain in the third quarter of Wednesday night's 13-10 loss. An MRI is scheduled for Thursday to determine the extent of the injury.
Brown, making his debut with the Patriots after being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles, left the game after a play where Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett landed on his ankle. Brown was seen grabbing his right leg before heading to the sideline and later to the locker room, where he was spotted wearing a protective boot. ESPN reports that Brown was initially listed as questionable to return but was later ruled out.
The Patriots, who traded a 2028 first-round pick for Brown, are now facing challenges with their wide receiver lineup. PrizePicks notes that with Brown potentially out for 4-5 weeks, the team will rely on other receivers like Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and Demario Douglas, who combined for just 71 yards in the opener.
The Patriots have a break before their next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 20, giving Brown some time to recover.