Patriots’ A.J. Brown Expected Out Six Weeks

Brown joined New England this offseason in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 29-year-old has played in at least 13 games in each of his seven NFL seasons and has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of them.
An MRI performed Thursday confirmed that Brown suffered the high-ankle sprain during the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to Seattle.
Brown’s expected absence comes after quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter against Seattle, while Romeo Doubs also had a crucial drop; Doubs will be particularly important in trying to stabilize the passing game.
The Patriots’ early stretch without Brown begins with Pittsburgh at home, followed by road games at Jacksonville and Buffalo—three opponents that reached the 2025 playoffs.
Kyle Williams could see a major increase in targets and emerge as a fantasy WR3 or flex option while Brown is sidelined.
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to miss about six weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in the team's season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. TSN reported that Brown was placed on injured reserve, guaranteeing at least a four-game absence, with no surgery planned. His injury leaves quarterback Drake Maye without his top pass-catching option during a brutal early schedule.
Brown, 29, joined New England this offseason in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. He has played in at least 13 games in each of his seven NFL seasons and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards six times. Washington Post noted that receivers Mack Hollins, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas are now expected to take on larger roles in the passing game.
Drake Maye threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter against Seattle while the Patriots lost 13-10. Newsday reported that Romeo Doubs also had a crucial drop in the game. Now Maye must operate without his top receiver during games against Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Buffalo—three teams that made the 2025 playoffs.
The timing is brutal for New England's offense. Brown's absence forces the Patriots to develop chemistry quickly with backup receivers. Winnipeg Free Press noted that the team must stabilize its passing game while facing three strong defensive units in consecutive weeks.
Houston Chronicle reported that coach Mike Vrabel insists the team will be ready to compete without Brown. Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas must now prove they can handle increased targets. Kyle Williams could see a major increase in touches and emerge as a fantasy WR3 or flex option during Brown's absence.
An MRI performed Thursday confirmed Brown suffered the high ankle sprain during the Seahawks game. TSN reported that no surgery is planned for the injury. The expectation is six weeks of recovery time, though the four-game injured reserve designation means Brown could potentially return sooner if healing progresses faster than anticipated.
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