Patriots Receive Major Update on AJ Brown Injury Timetable

New England Patriots star wide receiver A.J. Brown went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 1 of the season against the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots have now received an update as Brown is expected to miss three to six weeks.

This is a major loss for New England's offense, as Brown was a major trade acquisition this offseason and was set to be the top piece for their offense. In the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Brown had 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.

In Week 1 with the Patriots, Brown had three receptions for 26 yards on four targets before going down with his injury.

New England sent a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to acquire Brown this offseason, investing in him as the top receiver for quarterback Drake Maye.

Brown is under contract through the 2029 season and will look to unlock Drake Maye's full potential. Maye had a great 2025 season, as he was the runner-up for the MVP award and led the team to the Super Bowl, completing 72 percent of his passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while rushing for 450 yards and four touchdowns.

In the season opener, Maye didn't play close to this level, as he completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions. The 24-year-old looked out of sorts against the Seahawks defense, throwing it up into coverage when it wasn't necessary.

New England will need Maye to turn it around for the remainder of the season if they are to make it into the postseason. While Brown is out, the Patriots will need Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Hunter Henry to step up as pass catchers.

Doubs struggled in his debut with the Patriots, dropping a pass when he was wide open and not recording a reception on three targets. 

Hollins led New England in the receiving game with four receptions for 51 yards on five targets.

The Patriots have a strong roster, but in Brown's absence, they will need other weapons to step up, and Maye will need to elevate his game as they head into Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.