In his first game in a Patriots uniform, A.J. Brown suffered a major ankle injury that will keep him on the sidelines for multiple weeks.
The New England Patriots faced the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl LX, and A.J. Brown made his highly anticipated debut. Brown got off to a slow start, but managed to catch his first three targets for 26 yards and drew a long pass interference penalty, setting up the first touchdown of the NFL season. Unfortunately, Brown's fourth target had far worse consequences for him than a drop.
Soon after the second half began, Drake Maye targeted a closely covered Brown over the middle. While attempting to defend the pass, Seahawks cornerback Nehmiah Pritchett's knee landed on Brown's right ankle.
The Patriots' new pass catcher was in visible discomfort immediately and gingerly walked off the field with the training staff. A few minutes later, Brown was seen walking back to the locker room and did not return to the game.
The Patriots eventually fell 13-10 to Seattle, but the concern lies with Brown more than the result.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold also left the game in the first half with a hip injury, and it is unclear whether he will miss significant time.
A.J. Brown's Injury Update
Brown underwent an X-ray on his right ankle following the game, which returned negative for fractures which is good news for the Patriots. He does, however, have a severe high ankle sprain which was confirmed by an MRI.
A.J. Brown's Possible Return Date
The Patriots placed Brown on the injured reserve after Week 1, and he will miss at least four weeks. In the NFL, high ankle sprains typically require four to six weeks of recovery, depending on the severity.
Brown has already been out for two games, and is guaranteed to miss at least two more. The soonest he could possibly return in in Week five against the New York Jets, but the Patriots will proceed with caution to protect their new star.
Due to the severity of the injury, Brown is expected to to miss at least five weeks, so he's more likely to return against the Miami Dolphins or Chicago Bears, and return to practice near the end of October.
New England Patriots upcoming games:
Week 2 (Home) | Sept. 20 | W 20-3 | |
Week 3 (Away) | Sept. 27 | L 35-6 | |
Week 4 (Away) | Oct. 4 | ||
Week 5 (Home) | Oct. 11 | ||
Week 6 (Home) | Oct. 18 | ||
Week 7 (Away) | Oct. 22 | ||
Week 8 (Away) | Nov. 1 |
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