New England Patriots star wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to miss the Week Two contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown avoided a fracture but suffered a high ankle sprain during Wednesday night’s season opener, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who noted Brown is set to miss at least the next month.
“A.J. Brown expected to be out at least four weeks,” Rapoport said on NFL Gameday Thursday evening. “At least four weeks for the New England Patriots…the Patriots moving forward are not going to have their star receiver for the near future.”
Brown’s injury occurred in the third quarter of yesterday’s 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Brown had his right ankle landed on while falling for a pass. He immediately grabbed his ankle and remained seated on the ground for several moments before limping off to the locker room.
Post-game, reporters noticed Brown was wearing a walking boot.
Earlier Thursday, head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t commit to a Brown injury timeline. But ankle sprains like Brown’s are going to require him to miss time, even if the Patriots have extra rest until Sunday, Sept. 20 against the Steelers.
Without Brown, the Patriots will turn to the rest of their receiver depth chart. It’s a group that collectively struggled last night. Romeo Doubs had a critical second-half drop and went catchless on three targets, while Mack Hollins is a journey man veteran. Demario “Pop” Douglas might turn into a top target and had five receptions against the Seahawks, but most of his work comes near the line of scrimmage. He finished the game with just 20 yards.
Tight ends like Hunter Henry and rookie Eli Raridon will also see increased involvement.
No matter the target, QB Drake Maye must play much better than he did against the Seahawks. He ended the loss with three interceptions, including one in the end zone as the Patriots were in field goal range to tie the game.
In Week One, the Steelers may not see Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he suffered an oblique strain during Thursday’s practice. His status for Sunday’s opener is unknown, but it seems certain Brown won’t be someone the Steelers will have to prepare for in Week Two.
