New England Patriots star receiver A.J. Brown is set for a period on the sidelines after suffering a reported high-ankle sprain on debut against Seattle on Wednesday night.
The Patriots acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in a blockbuster trade during the NFL offseason and the 2025 Super Bowl champion had made a promising start with three catches for 26 yards when his evening was curtailed.
Brown was hurt early in the third quarter after a third-down incomplete pass in which quarterback Drake Maye was throwing in his direction.
The receiver was falling to the ground as he attempted to make the catch when Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's knee landed on Brown's ankle.
Brown was able to stand in the aftermath and slowly walked to the sideline before entering the medical tent. He was originally announced as questionable to return, but was ruled out at the start of the fourth quarter. Brown was seen leaving the locker room in a boot.
Amid concern about New England's star receiver, we take a look at how long Brown could be out of action for.
When is A.J Brown expected to return from injury?
X-rays revealed Brown has not suffered a fracture, but the 29-year-old will undergo an MRI to learn the full severity of his ankle injury and determine how long he will be sidelined for.
High ankle sprains are notoriously the worst type of sprains as they heal much slower than low ankle sprains. A Grade 1 sprain usually takes between one to three weeks before you can return to light activity, while Grade 2 sprains - which can require a boot - can take anywhere between three to eight weeks to recover.
A Grade 3 would be worst case scenario for Brown and could result in him missing several months of action.
On Brown's injury, Patriots quarterback Maye said: "I think for A.J. he's going to fight hard to get back from whatever it is.
"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."
