A.J. Brown is moving closer to a potential return for the New England Patriots after the team opened his 21-day practice window Wednesday. The wide receiver remains on injured reserve, but the move gives him an opportunity to practice ahead of Sunday’s AFC East matchup against the New York Jets.
Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain during New England’s season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9. The Patriots subsequently placed him on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least four games.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Brown has been pushing to return to practice this week. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the team’s decision to open the window, although Brown’s availability for Sunday’s game remains uncertain.
Brown’s return would give quarterback Drake Maye another established receiving option. The veteran wideout recorded three catches for 26 yards on four targets before leaving the season opener against Seattle with his ankle injury.
The Patriots have managed to win games without Brown, improving to 3-2 after consecutive victories over the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. New England defeated Buffalo 29-26 in Week 4 before beating Las Vegas 45-17 on Sunday, giving the offense momentum heading into the divisional matchup.
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However, Brown’s absence has become more significant following another injury to the receiving corps. New England placed Mack Hollins on injured reserve on Oct. 10 after he suffered a calf injury against Buffalo. Hollins had recorded 15 receptions for 209 yards through four games, leaving the Patriots without another experienced option on the perimeter.
Brown’s return could help address that shortage, but opening the practice window does not guarantee his activation. New England has 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster before he must return to injured reserve.
The Patriots host the Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18. New York enters the matchup at 2-3 after defeating the Cleveland Browns 17-12 in Week 5.
Whether Brown can return this week will depend on how he progresses through practice. The Patriots have taken an important step toward getting their top receiver back, but his status for the Jets game has not yet been confirmed.
