The New England Patriots will be without star wide receiver A.J. Brown for a significant stretch of the young NFL season after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the team’s season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Brown has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least four games before he is eligible to return.
However, the latest injury update suggests his absence could be longer.
NFL Network reported that Brown is expected to miss approximately six weeks as he recovers from the high-ankle sprain.
The injury occurred during New England’s 13-10 loss to Seattle when Brown’s right ankle became trapped awkwardly during a third-quarter play.
Before leaving the game, Brown had three receptions for 26 yards in his Patriots debut.
The injury is a major early-season setback for New England.
Brown arrived in Foxborough during the offseason after a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, giving quarterback Drake Maye an established No. 1 receiver and one of the NFL’s most accomplished pass catchers.
Now the Patriots will have to adjust without him.
New England’s receiving group includes Mack Hollins, Romeo Doubs, Demario Douglas and other options who could see expanded roles while Brown recovers.
Head coach Mike Vrabel said the Patriots do not necessarily plan to completely change their offense because of Brown’s absence, but acknowledged that other receivers will need to move into different positions and roles.
The Patriots officially confirmed that Brown will miss upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.
The earliest he can return from injured reserve is against the New York Jets in Week 6, although the reported six-week recovery timeline could keep him sidelined longer.
Brown has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers during his career.
The three-time Pro Bowler has recorded six 1,000-yard receiving seasons in seven years and was named a second-team All-Pro in three consecutive seasons from 2022 through 2024.
His absence now puts additional pressure on Maye and New England’s offense as the Patriots attempt to recover from their Week 1 defeat.
The Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers next, giving New England its first major test without its star offseason acquisition.
USA Pulse will continue following Brown’s recovery and the latest NFL developments.