Whether it is Sunday at home against the New York Jets or Thursday night in Chicago, A.J. Brown is coming back.
Brown practiced on Wednesday as a limited participant and tracks for an immediate return to the lineup from injured reserve. So what effect does the return of the three-time Pro Bowler have on the New England Patriots receiving corps?
The first ripple is on the 45-man game-day roster.
New England dressed four wide receivers last week. Given their impact on special teams, neither of the bottom two – Efton Chism or Kyle Williams – would be candidates to be inactive, given their roles in the kicking game.
So, Coach Mike Vrabel would likely have to find a roster spot elsewhere.
Who loses snaps?
Both Chism, who has seven catches in the last two weeks to raise his career total to 12, and Williams, coming off a career-best three-catch, 91-yard performance, have found their best stride as pros in their second seasons.
Would the Patriots make either or both take a step backwards in Brown’s return?
Drake Maye has liked what he’s seen from both.
“When you see a guy go up and make a play (like Chism did), it’s amazing … I think it’s just trust. It builds trust for me to let it rip and fire it in there,” he said.
“I’ve got confidence in (Williams), and I think just involving him more and more in different variety and knowing his speed and his release pattern. He made a big catch in Pittsburgh across the middle. Just those things add confidence.”
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Could it be Romeo?
The one receiver who didn’t seem to be on the same page with Maye on Sunday was Romeo Doubs. The big-money veteran free agent ($17 million a year) had one catch on three targets against the Raiders.
He’s been targeted 23 times on the year but only has 13 catches.
Doubs could be a candidate for fewer chances on Sunday against New York after playing a season-high 62 (82.7 percent) vs. the Raiders.
Regardless, the Patriots know the dynamic Brown adds and how pivotal his return will be.
“I think it’s awesome. It’s always a warm welcome in the huddle to have him back in there,” said Maye. “So, looking forward to seeing him progress, and it’s always great seeing him back out there.”
