AJ Brown's Injury Adds to Patriots' Receiver Woes

New England Patriots star wide receiver AJ Brown is facing uncertainty for Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins after missing multiple practices this week with a knee issue. The 29-year-old's status was confirmed by head coach Mike Vrabel on Friday, as Brown was unable to participate in practice.

This latest injury concern comes shortly after Brown returned from an ankle injury he sustained in Week 1. The three-time Pro Bowl selection, acquired in an offseason trade, was activated on October 17 but has now missed consecutive practices with what the team has described as an 'ankle/knee' problem. This development poses a significant challenge for the 4-3 Patriots as they prepare for their road game against the Dolphins.

The Patriots' depth at receiver is particularly thin. With Brown's potential absence, the team has only three active receivers: Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs remains on injured reserve with a shoulder problem, and Mack Hollins has been sidelined by a calf injury.

In his two games since returning from his initial ankle injury, Brown has logged 102 snaps and recorded six catches for 75 yards. Despite acknowledging a perceived lack of his previous explosiveness, Brown expressed his determination to play through the pain, stating earlier in the week that he was 'pushing through' and that 'none of that stuff matters. I'm out here, so I'm going.'

Brown represents a significant investment for the Patriots, who traded a 2028 first-round pick for the receiver. The team had hoped he would fill the void left by Stefon Diggs, who was traded to Washington after failing to secure a long-term contract extension in New England. Brown is under contract through the 2029 season, with a cap figure of $23.5 million for that year. For the current 2026 season, Brown has nine receptions for 101 yards over three games.