Mike Vrabel States The Obvious: Patriots Are 'Disappointed' About A.J. Brown's Injury

Not only did the New England Patriots lose the Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks to begin the 2026 season, but they also lost their new weapon for at least four weeks.

WR A.J. Brown was placed on injured reserve after suffering a right high ankle sprain against the Seahawks. 

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel stated the obvious on Monday (9/14): New England is "disappointed" about Brown's injury. 

"Well, I mean, everybody's disappointed for him, and he's disappointed," Vrabel said. "You know what I mean? He wants to play. He's a competitor, and we'll have to get him back as quickly as possible. Obviously at a four-game window, and make sure that he's ready to go mentally and physically when he does get back."

The Patriots acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason. Brown left his first game with New England early in the third quarter. He finished with three catches for 26 yards. 

Since entering the NFL, Brown is fourth in the league in both receiving yards (8,029) and touchdown catches (56). Brown and Ja'Marr Chase are the NFL's only two players with at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven-plus touchdown catches in each of the past four seasons.

Brown has had four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has hit 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons. He could become one of seven WRs to have seven or more 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his first eight years in the league, joining Mike Evans (eight), Lance Alworth (seven), Torry Holt (seven), Brandon Marshall (seven), Jerry Rice (seven) and Randy Moss (seven).  

Brown had 78 catches for 1,003 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns last season with the Eagles. The Pro Bowler entered this season with 8,029 receiving yards and 56 receiving touchdowns in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Eagles.

Brown was heavily linked to the Patriots because Mike Vrabel coached him in Tennessee. The two are very close.

Brown also grew up a huge New England fan because of Tom Brady. 

Seattle beat New England by a final score of 13-10. Patriots QB Drake Maye threw three interceptions, including the game-sealing one in the end zone when New England was in position to attempt a game-tying field goal.

"That wasn't how I play football and how I want to represent my game and playing quarterback for the Patriots," Maye said.

The Patriots face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 on September 20.