Timetable on Patriots WR A.J. Brown's ankle injury revealed

The New England Patriots are set to proceed without wide receiver A.J. Brown for an extended period after he suffered a high-ankle sprain during the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Brown is projected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. Brown exited the game in the third quarter and was unable to return, finishing with three catches for 26 yards in his Patriots debut.

This injury poses a significant challenge to New England’s offense, which had acquired Brown in the offseason as their primary target. The team has the option to place Brown on injured reserve, freeing up a roster spot but ensuring his absence for a minimum of four games. As Brown recovers, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas will be tasked with picking up the slack in New England’s passing attack.

Quarterback Drake Maye will need to adjust his strategy, relying on a restructured receiving group as the Patriots prepare for their Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The timeline for Brown’s return after the initial four-week period will hinge on his progress and medical advice. He is expected to make his comeback as early as the Patriots’ Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets.