New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown has had a slow start since returning from an ankle injury. Brown missed practice due to a knee injury on Thursday, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
A.J. Brown Adds Knee Injury to Ongoing Ankle Recovery in New England
The New England Patriots wideout was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday with an ankle injury before missing practice entirely on Thursday. The new issue involving his knee compounds the physical toll of a high-ankle sprain he suffered in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, an injury that sidelined him for four games.
Brown returned to action in Week 6 against the New York Jets and has played in two games since coming off injured reserve. In those contests, he has recorded six catches on 16 targets for 75 yards without a touchdown. Due to the absence of fellow wide receivers Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs on injured reserve, the offense has relied heavily on Brown to anchor the receiving corps alongside quarterback Drake Maye.
#Patriots WR AJ Brown, who left last night’s opener because of an injury, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, per me and @MikeGarafolo. X-Rays were negative for a fracture. Brown has an MRI today to determine how much time he’ll miss. pic.twitter.com/CEeCEqWBFK
I’m year eight, I know I’ve been out a month, but none of that stuff even matters. I’m gonna continue to say it because I’m in it. I’m in it now, you know? And I gotta go out and compete. I gotta put one together.
A.J. Brown, New England Patriots wide receiver, via NFL
Brown acknowledged that his explosiveness is still returning following the layoff. Yeah, sometimes. Sometimes I see it, and sometimes I’m pushing through. But none of that stuff really matters. I’m out here, so… he told reporters.
Mike Vrabel and Miami Dolphins Defense React to Slow Start
Despite the modest production and a career-high number of drops in his return against the Jets, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel expressed confidence in the veteran receiver when asked about his performance.
Photo: EssentiallySports
No, I don’t have any concern, no. I thought that he dropped a few passes, and then the other night there was a contested catch that — I’ve seen him make those plays in the past, I’ve seen those plays get called for DPI, and I’ve seen those plays be good plays by the defense down the field. So, I don’t think anybody has to press here or anything else. I think we just have to get back into a rhythm offensively with the guys that we have.
Photo: Yahoo Sports
Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots head coach, via Sports Illustrated
Opposing coaches are taking notice regardless of the early-season numbers. Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley pointed to Brown’s physical profile and historical track record ahead of Sunday’s matchup at Hard Rock Stadium.
Well, I think one, it’s the respect that I have for him playing against him three times in the last two years. I don’t look at the stats of this year, I look at the player that he has been in this league. I look how big he is, how strong he is, how dangerous he is as a pass catcher, as a vertical threat. And I have a ton of respect for him, just like I would with any of the top premium receivers in the league. And it’s probably just that my history, having to game plan against him.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins coach, via NFL
Patriots Preparing for Sunday Matchup at Hard Rock Stadium
The Patriots bring a 4-3 record into their Sunday contest against Miami, coming off a Week 7 loss to the Chicago Bears.
A.J. Brown Misses Practice w/ Knee Injury + Patriots vs Dolphins KEY MATCHUPS | LIVE Patriots Daily
Quarterback Drake Maye emphasized the need for patience as the offense integrates Brown following his extended absence from the lineup. Maye noted that the team is working through a compressed practice schedule after playing a Thursday night game.
He’s just getting things going. I think he’s a had a tough road battling IR and coming back to try and find a flow. We had a Thursday night game where’s there’s not a full week of practice. We really had our third or fourth practice out there with him running and getting in the groove of the game plan. We got to keep that big picture in mind. We got full trust in him and he’s gonna make plays. It’ll be fun to watch him when he does.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback, via Pats Pulpit
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
