New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown will miss time after sustaining a high-ankle sprain during his debut game on Wednesday night. The severity of the injury and the length of his absence remain uncertain as he awaits an MRI scan.
Brown was injured in the third quarter while attempting to make a catch on an incomplete pass from quarterback Drake Maye. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's knee made contact with Brown's ankle during the play. X-rays taken after the game were negative for a fracture, but the receiver was seen leaving the locker room in a protective boot. He was officially ruled out of the game at the start of the fourth quarter after initially being listed as questionable to return.
Before his departure, Brown recorded three catches for 26 yards. He was involved in a critical play in the second quarter, a flea-flicker pass from Maye that drew a pass-interference penalty against the Seahawks at the two-yard line, setting up the Patriots' only touchdown on the subsequent play.
Brown was acquired by the Patriots in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. He had a notable seven-season tenure with the Eagles, achieving over 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches in six of those seasons, including 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 catches in his final year with the team.
"I think for A.J. he's going to fight hard to get back from whatever it is," Maye said. "I know he's going to want to get back out there quick. He's a competitor and he's going to help this football team a lot this year."
The Patriots ultimately lost the game 13-10 to the Seahawks. Despite losing quarterback Sam Darnold early in the game, Seattle scored 13 unanswered points. New England's defeat was marked by several critical errors, including a dropped pass by Romeo Doubs and three interceptions thrown by Maye. The team had an opportunity to tie or win the game late, but Maye's pass into the end zone was intercepted by Josh Jobe in the final minute, sealing the Patriots' loss.
