The New England Patriots will be without A.J. Brown for at least the next four games after the veteran wide receiver suffered a high-ankle sprain in Wednesday’s season opener, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Brown, who is 29, was traded to New England from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason and quickly moved into the starting lineup as a perimeter receiver. He spent training camp building chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye, and that connection showed in the opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Brown caught three passes for 26 yards and was on the field for 30 of the team’s first 34 offensive snaps.
The injury came on his 31st snap. After an incomplete pass, Brown stayed down on the field as the Patriots’ medical staff and head coach Mike Vrabel rushed over to check on him.
He then made his way into the blue medical tent before leaving for the locker room and being ruled out for the rest of the game. New England went on to lose, 13-10.
Brown had additional testing Thursday, which confirmed the high-ankle sprain and set his recovery window at four to six weeks. That timeline led to the injured reserve move, which will keep him sidelined for a minimum of four games.
After the game in Seattle, Maye spoke about Brown’s mindset and what the receiver means to the team.
“He’s going to fight hard to get back and whatever it is, I know he’s going to want to get back out there quick,” said quarterback Drake Maye after the game in Seattle. “I think he’s a competitor and he’s going to help this football team for a lot of this year.”
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