The New England Patriots are expected to have A.J. Brown available for Sunday’s AFC East matchup with the New York Jets after the wide receiver spent four games on injured reserve.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that New England would likely activate Brown ahead of Week 6. Brown returned to practice Wednesday while recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered during the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Later reports said the Patriots planned to activate him.
Brown’s return would give quarterback Drake Maye another established target as New England tries to improve its passing game. The receiver caught three passes for 26 yards before leaving the opener with the injury. He has not played since.
The Patriots have managed a reshaped receiving group during Brown’s absence. Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III have been among the available options, while Mack Hollins landed on injured reserve with a calf injury. Brown would add a proven outside target, although his workload could depend on his conditioning.
Head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Brown had shown good and bad moments in practice, with the staff evaluating his conditioning and how he felt afterward. Brown was listed as questionable after limited participation throughout the week, so activation would not guarantee a full workload.
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New England enters the matchup looking to make progress in the AFC East, while the Jets have injury concerns of their own. The Patriots must decide how quickly to involve Brown without overworking a receiver returning from a high-ankle sprain.
The expected move would mark an important step in Brown’s first season with New England after the offseason trade from Philadelphia. His presence gives Maye another option against New York, but the Patriots’ final plans will become clearer once his activation and game-day role are confirmed.
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