Receiver A.J. Brown is set to return from injured reserve for the New England Patriots’ Week 6 game against the New York Jets, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Brown, sidelined since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, has taken part in limited practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s clash.
Brown exited the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to Seattle in the third quarter after catching three passes for 26 yards. The day after that game, the team placed him on injured reserve, requiring a minimum four-game absence. With that period now complete, Brown has been eligible for activation and has participated in all three of the Patriots’ practice sessions this week, albeit on a limited basis.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed Brown’s possible return on Monday during his weekly appearance on Boston’s WEEI radio station. “There is a chance” Brown will play, Vrabel said. “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 and move from there.”
The timing of Brown’s return coincides with the Patriots placing wide receiver Mack Hollins on injured reserve ahead of their Week 5 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Before his injury, Hollins led the team’s receivers with 15 catches for 209 yards. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and tight end Hunter Henry have also recorded 15 receptions each through five games, highlighting the need for another reliable target in the offense.
Brown joined the Patriots during the offseason after being traded by the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection. His departure from Philadelphia came despite a three-year, $96 million extension waiting to take effect through the 2029 season. Brown reportedly grew frustrated with the Eagles’ offense and quarterback Jalen Hurts, which paved the way for the trade.
The 29-year-old is in his eighth NFL season, having started his career with the Tennessee Titans, who selected him in the second round, 51st overall, out of Ole Miss. Brown was then traded to the Eagles during the 2022 NFL Draft for first- and fourth-round picks and later signed a four-year, $100 million extension in Philadelphia.
Over his career, Brown has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times and earned two Second Team All-Pro honors. He has accumulated 527 receptions for 8,055 yards and 56 touchdowns.
The Patriots, currently holding a 3-2 record, will look to bolster their offense with Brown’s return as they face the Jets, who are struggling to find consistency this season. Brown’s availability could provide a boost to quarterback Mac Jones and the Patriots’ passing game, which has faced challenges in recent weeks.
Brown remains officially questionable for Sunday’s game, but his limited practice activity this week signals a strong possibility he will suit up. The Patriots will make a final decision on his status closer to kickoff.
According to Yahoo Sports.
