The New England Patriots may have AJ Brown back on the practice field, but that does not mean his game-day return is locked in for Week 6.
Brown has been sidelined since Week 1, when he suffered an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks. That setback has kept the star wideout out of action ever since, even as the Patriots got a more encouraging sign this week with Brown returning to practice in a limited role.
Still, the word from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport on Friday was hardly a full-throated green light.
“There is a chance, but it is for sure not guaranteed,” Rapoport said Friday when asked about Brown's chances of playing this week. “My understanding going into this was that this is a six-week injury for AJ Brown.
He is not there yet. It is about four weeks, a little more when he came back to practice.”
That timeline leaves New England with some patience to spare. The Patriots stumbled out of the gate with a Week 1 loss to the Seahawks and then were blown out by the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, but they’ve steadied themselves with two straight wins. Their latest effort was a dominant victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5.
So while Brown’s eventual return would give this offense another clear boost, there’s no obvious reason to force the issue before he’s ready.
The Patriots are back in action Sunday, when they host the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
In Other News...
Patriots Could Get A.J. Brown Back For Jets At Perfect Time
A.J. Browns return could give the Patriots a timely boost heading into their meeting with the Jets, with the veteran receiver expected to be activated from injured reserve after working back into practice. Brown has been out since Week 1 because of a high ankle sprain, and his progress this week has put him on track to rejoin the lineup after a stretch in which New England has had to adjust without one of its more proven playmakers.
Mike Vrabel has not locked anything in just yet, however, making clear Browns availability still hinges on how he comes through Fridays practice. Brown has sounded optimistic about getting back on the field, and for a Patriots team looking for any edge in a division matchup, his presence would come at a welcome moment if he checks the final box. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Suddenly Have A Week 6 Question Jets Fans Will Notice
The Patriots are heading into Week 6 with a healthier-looking roster than theyve had in recent weeks, and that matters with the Jets coming to town. A.J. Brown is expected to be activated off injured reserve, Christian Gonzalez has said hes ready after missing time with an injury, and New England is also expecting help from a couple of other important pieces as it tries to steady itself in the division.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson and offensive tackle Will Campbell both appear on track to suit up, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, which would give the Patriots a boost in both the backfield and up front. Hendersons return is especially notable after his ankle situation left some doubt around his availability, and the way New England manages those returns could shape how it handles a Jets defense eager to test whatever rust remains. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Fans Already Trust One Fill-In Option If Left Tackle Changes
Will Campbells knee injury briefly put the Patriots in a spot theyd rather avoid, but rookie Caleb Lomu gave them at least one encouraging answer. After Campbell exited early and was limited in practice, Lomu stepped in at left tackle and held up well in pass protection, giving New England a usable option if the line has to absorb another adjustment heading into this week.
The larger takeaway is that Patriots fans do not seem to view the position as a panic point, even with the uncertainty around Campbells availability. A recent fan survey found a majority believe Lomu can handle fill-in duty at left tackle, and a sizable chunk are especially confident in him, which says plenty about how quickly he has earned trust in a spot that usually makes supporters nervous. [Read more 🡒]