A.J. Brown’s Injury Deals Blow to Patriots’ Offense

The New England Patriots face significant challenges following their latest defeat. An MRI confirmed that star wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a high ankle sprain in the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. Reports suggest he might be sidelined for three to six weeks.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel expressed uncertainty about Brown’s immediate future, stating, “I don’t know if he’ll be available going forward here for the next week, but we’ll see. Once we get the report, we’ll figure out what the treatment plan is.”

A.J. Brown No. 1 of the New England Patriots is assisted off the field after being injured against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter on Sept. 9, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

The 29-year-old receiver sustained the injury during a third-quarter play while attempting to catch a pass. Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett collided with Brown, leading to an injury that forced his exit from the game. Brown managed three receptions for 26 yards, including drawing a defensive pass interference penalty that set up the Patriots’ sole touchdown before getting hurt.

Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason for first- and fifth-round draft picks in 2028 and 2027. He was expected to be quarterback Drake Maye’s primary target. Brown had shown resilience in his previous four seasons with the Eagles, missing only six games during that period.

In Brown’s absence, Maye will rely on Romeo Doubs, a recent offseason addition with a four-year, $68 million contract, and other receivers like Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas, and Kyle Williams. During the game, Doubs notably dropped a pass on second-and-14 in the fourth quarter, which would have earned a first down. This misstep was followed by a drive-ending interception, one of Maye’s three in the final quarter.

The Patriots, currently holding a 0-1 record, aim to recover when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars away in Week 2.