Patriots' AJ Brown Trending in Right Direction; When Could He Return?

New England Patriots wide receiver AJ Brown is set to be activated from injured reserve in Week 6. However, it remains uncertain whether a return to the team will take place. Brown, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, has been diligently working on his recovery and appeared to be in a positive mood recently.

ESPN's Mike Reiss noted that Brown's presence in the locker room was more noticeable than before, as he was frequently seen wearing cleats, indicating ongoing rehabilitation efforts. The Patriots will determine Brown's return time based on his fitness level and the team's schedule. The Week 6 game against the New York Jets is particularly crucial, as it occurs four days before their Week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

With only four wide receivers on the roster (Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III), the Patriots may need to call upon Brown due to other injuries at the position. Balancing the need for an additional player and the strength of the upcoming opponents, the team will have to make a strategic decision. The Patriots' upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday will provide valuable insights into the team's depth, with key players like Williams, Doubs, Chism, and Douglas potentially stepping up to fill the gap.