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A.J. Brown hobbles off with ankle injury, doesn't return in Patriots debut
Confirmed
In Short: In their season opener, the New England Patriots faced early setbacks with quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver A.J. Brown both leaving the game with injuries.
In their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots struggled from the start, with quarterback Sam Darnold leaving the game early with a hip injury after being sacked on the opening drive. Darnold, who had a standout season with the Seahawks, was ruled out after the injury, leaving the team without one of its key offensive players.
Adding to the Patriots' woes, wide receiver A.J. Brown hobbled off the field early in the third quarter with a right ankle injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the game. Brown's departure came after he attempted to catch a low throw from Drake Maye, resulting in an awkward landing that caused his ankle to bend awkwardly.
The Patriots' season debut was further complicated by the absence of running back TreVeyon Henderson and center Ben Brown, both ruled out for the game due to injuries. The team's depth in the backfield and offensive line was already tested, and the early exits of Brown and Darnold left the Patriots struggling to maintain their offensive momentum.
The Seahawks capitalized on the Patriots' early struggles, securing a 13-10 victory in a tightly contested game. Despite Darnold's injury, the Seahawks managed to maintain their lead, with backup quarterback Drew Lock making crucial late plays. The Patriots' defense, however, put up a strong performance in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the early deficit.
The injury to A.J. Brown, who was expected to be a key contributor to the Patriots' offense, is a significant blow to the team's plans for the season. Brown's much-anticipated debut with the Patriots was cut short, and the extent of his injury remains unclear. The Patriots will now have to rely on their remaining offensive players to make up for the loss of Brown and Darnold.
What's confirmed
- Ian Rapoport reported Thursday morning that Brown is believed to have a high-ankle sprain.
What's still developing
- Dre'Mont Jones gets home to end the drive 💪 NEvsSEA on NBC/Peacock Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OWqNvAEY81 Sam Darnold #seahawks They are calling it a hip injury.
- Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold went to the locker room after suffering a hip injury on a sack taken on Seattle's first drive of the season.
- Clearly not dislocated since he limped off, this can cause fracture or labrum injury, we’ll see what the final… pic.twitter.com/QO2azB6iH3 The knee hitting the ground so hard is the primary concern here.
- But eventually he was examined and taken back to the locker room, his gait clearly affected by the injury.
- We love him.'' Darnold, 29, was excellent in his debut season in Seattle, throwing for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in the regular season.
- Henderson was a finalist for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, leading the Patriots in scrimmage yards and touchdowns.
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- “Sam Darnold’s hip injury could be long-term if X-rays are positive for a fracture,” Chao wrote on X.