The Patriots will be without their newly acquired superstar for at least a few weeks.
A.J. Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain, NFL Network reported Thursday, after the wide receiver went down with an injury early in the third quarter of the Patriots’ 13-10 road loss to the Seahawks on Wednesday night in the Super Bowl rematch to kick off the 2026 NFL season.
X-rays reportedly came back negative for a fracture.
High-ankle sprains typically take at least two weeks to heal before players can return, but more severe ones can take much longer.
Brown is haded for an MRI to determine the severity of the high-ankle sprain.
If Brown receives bad news on the ankle sprain’s severity, it remains possible that he is placed on short-term IR, which would sideline him into October.
The star receiver was finally traded by the Eagles this offseason and granted his wish by landing in New England alongside his old coach Mike Vrabel.
Brown had three catches for 26 yards on four targets in his abbreviated Patriots debut, although he drew a long pass interference that set up their only touchdown.
Expect Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins to start in two-receiver sets in his stead, while second-year player Kyle Williams could also get a bigger look in New England’s offense.
Williams played just 11 offensive snaps Wednesday but had a massive preseason showing where he scored three touchdowns, and he boasts a 4.4-speed in the 40-yard dash.
New England has 10 days to prepare for the Steelers, whom they will host on Sept. 20 in Week 2.
