New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown could return to practice this week after an ankle sprain sidelined him since Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Head coach Mike Vrabel said on Tuesday there’s “a chance” Brown will join the team on the field this week as the Patriots prepare for their Week 6 matchup.
Brown was injured during the Patriots’ opening game loss to the Seattle Seahawks, where he managed three catches on four targets for 26 yards before leaving with the ankle injury. Placed on injured reserve shortly after, Brown was set to miss at least four games. Now eligible to come off IR, the timing of his return remains uncertain.
“There’s a chance,” Vrabel said, according to a report from Mike Garafolo on X. “I don’t know whenever he’ll be back. He should help us. I hope that he’s going to help us. But that remains to be seen yet when he’ll be back. So, we’ll see how he does today and move from there.”
The Patriots’ first official practice of the week is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14. Brown’s eligibility to return from injured reserve does not guarantee he will be cleared to play in the upcoming game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
Brown was seen in the Patriots’ locker room last Wednesday walking without a noticeable limp, a promising sign after weeks off the field. His potential return would come as the Patriots face challenges in their receiving corps. Mack Hollins was placed on injured reserve with a calf strain before Week 5’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, thinning New England’s depth at wide receiver.
Brown’s participation in Wednesday’s practice and subsequent sessions will likely provide a clearer picture of his readiness. The Patriots have been managing injuries across their roster, and Brown’s return could offer a boost to their offense.
As of now, no official clearance has been announced, and the Patriots will monitor Brown’s progress closely. The team’s preparation for the Jets continues amid uncertainty over his immediate availability.
According to Yahoo Sports.