New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain during his team debut, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The injury occurred early in the third quarter of New England’s 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
A.J. Brown Suffers Apparent High-Ankle Sprain in Patriots Debut
Brown was injured while attempting to catch an incomplete pass from quarterback Drake Maye. As Brown fell to the turf, Seattle cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett’s right knee made contact with Brown’s ankle, carrying the force of his body weight. Brown grabbed the back of his right leg, sat up, and eventually walked slowly to the sideline and medical tent before heading to the locker room with the athletic training and medical staff.
Initially announced as questionable to return, Brown was officially ruled out by the Patriots at the start of the fourth quarter. X-rays taken after the game were negative for a fracture. He is scheduled for an MRI to determine the full extent of the damage and establish a timeline for his return.
Impact on the Game and Offense
Before exiting the matchup, Brown recorded three catches for 26 yards. He also made a major impact in the second quarter on a flea-flicker play when Maye targeted him deep downfield. Although the pass was underthrown, Seattle cornerback Josh Jobe collided with Brown, resulting in a 34-yard pass-interference penalty that placed the ball at the 2-yard line. On the very next play, Maye connected with rookie tight end Eli Raridon for a 2-yard touchdown, accounting for New England’s only score of the night.
Quarterback Drake Maye took responsibility for the underthrown pass that preceded the injury sequence. He's obviously a great player,
Maye said. I threw one low to him, should have hit him in the chest. I've got to make a better play and make a better throw for him.
Maye expressed confidence in his teammate’s drive to return, stating, 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.
Following the final whistle, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel did not offer an update on Brown’s condition during his postgame press conference.
Roster Context and Outlook
The Patriots acquired Brown in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on June 1, sending a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange. Throughout his career, Brown has established a strong statistical track record, posting at least 1,000 receiving years and seven touchdown catches in six of his first seven seasons. In his final year with Philadelphia prior to the trade, he tallied 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 catches.
If Brown is forced to miss extended time, the Patriots will need to lean on alternative receiving options. According to team reports, the remaining depth chart at receiver features Romeo Doubs, Pop Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism.
New England enters an extended layoff before returning to the field for their Week 2 matchup. The Patriots are scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on September 20.
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