New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown has reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain, an injury that could sideline him for three to six weeks. The confirmation came via an MRI following the Patriots' 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday.
Brown sustained the injury in the third quarter while attempting to catch a pass when Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's knee made contact with his ankle. He was initially deemed questionable to return before being ruled out of the game. Before his departure, Brown recorded three receptions for 26 yards and drew a pass interference penalty that contributed to the Patriots' sole touchdown.
The Patriots acquired the three-time Pro Bowler in the offseason from the Philadelphia Eagles for first- and fifth-round draft picks, intending for him to be a primary target for quarterback Drake Maye. During his four seasons with the Eagles, Brown demonstrated durability, missing only six games and playing a full 17-game season twice.
In Brown's absence, Maye will likely rely on other receivers, including Romeo Doubs, who was signed to a four-year, $68 million contract this offseason, as well as Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas, and Kyle Williams. Doubs had a notable drop on a crucial fourth-quarter play that could have extended a drive, which was followed by one of Maye's three fourth-quarter interceptions.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel commented on the situation, stating, "I don’t know if he’ll be available going forward here for the next week, but we’ll see. Once we get the report, we’ll figure out what the treatment plan is."
The Patriots, now 0-1 on the season, are scheduled to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 2.