(Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to miss at least four weeks after an MRI confirmed he suffered a high ankle sprain in Wednesday night’s 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Brown sustained the injury early in the third quarter of his Patriots debut and did not return. X-rays initially showed no fracture, but Thursday’s MRI confirmed the high ankle sprain.
The injury is a significant setback for New England, which acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason to become a key target for quarterback Drake Maye.
Brown to Miss Several Games
Brown is expected to miss at least the Patriots’ next four games if he follows the projected four-week recovery timeline.
That stretch includes New England’s home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 20, followed by road games against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 27 and Buffalo Bills on Oct. 4. The Patriots would then host the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 11.
Brown’s status became a concern after he went down following an incomplete pass from Maye. Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett was defending the play when his right knee appeared to land on Brown’s right ankle as the receiver fell.
Brown grabbed his leg before slowly making his way to the sideline. He spent an extended period in the medical tent before walking to the locker room with members of the Patriots’ medical staff.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged earlier Thursday that the team would need to closely monitor Brown’s ankle injury.
“I know he’ll do everything that he can to get back as quickly as possible,” Vrabel said before the MRI results were known.
Brown Made Immediate Impact in Debut
Brown’s Patriots debut lasted less than three quarters, but he quickly showed why New England made the move to acquire him.
The 29-year-old finished with three receptions for 26 yards. He also helped set up the Patriots’ only touchdown by drawing a 34-yard defensive pass interference penalty on a deep pass from Maye.
The penalty put New England near the goal line, and Maye connected with rookie tight end Eli Raridon for a 2-yard touchdown on the following play.
Brown joined the Patriots after New England sent a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Philadelphia in June.
The three-time Pro Bowl receiver had become an important part of the Patriots’ plans at a position that had undergone significant changes during the offseason.
Patriots Must Replace Brown’s Production
With Brown sidelined, the Patriots will need other receivers to take on larger roles in the offense.
Mack Hollins handled much of Brown’s role after his departure Wednesday and finished as New England’s leading receiver. Romeo Doubs, who signed a four-year, $68 million contract during the offseason, will also likely contribute more after finishing his Patriots debut without a catch.
Pop Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III provide additional options for Maye.
New England had viewed receiver as one of its deeper position groups entering the season, but Brown’s injury leaves the offense without its most significant offseason addition for at least the next month.
The Patriots will now have to find ways to maintain their offensive production while Brown works his way back from the ankle injury.
