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Patriots' AJ Brown Injured with High-Ankle Sprain
Confirmed
In Short: Wide receiver AJ Brown is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Patriots' opener, according to multiple reports.
Wide receiver AJ Brown, a key addition to the New England Patriots, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain during last night’s opener against the Seattle Seahawks, according to multiple reports. Brown left the game early in the third quarter after an awkward fall, and an MRI is scheduled to determine the extent of his injury.
Sources indicate that Brown's injury is a high ankle sprain, which typically results in a multi-game absence. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, the injury could significantly impact the Patriots' offensive strategy in the coming weeks. The team will likely turn to Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins to fill the void left by Brown’s absence.
NFL Network reported that Brown’s X-rays were negative for a fracture, but he is believed to have a high ankle sprain. The injury occurred when Brown was trapped between the ground and Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, causing his ankle to bend awkwardly. Brown was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot after the game.
Safety Kevin Byard checked on Brown in the training room and spoke to him briefly. The Patriots had high hopes for Brown, who was part of a major effort to upgrade their roster, including the signing of Alijah Vera-Tucker and Romeo Doubs in free agency and drafting Caleb Lomu.
The injury comes as a blow to the Patriots, who had a nightmarish start to the 2026 season. Brown’s much-anticipated debut was cut short, and the team will now rely on other players to step up. Reports suggest that Brown was initially ruled questionable to return before being ruled out, and his precise timetable remains unconfirmed.
The Patriots will need to adapt their game plan to manage the absence of Brown, with Romeo Doubs expected to receive the cleanest target increase. Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams are also in line to replace Brown’s perimeter snaps. The injury highlights the importance of Brown to the team’s offensive strategy and the potential impact of such an injury on the Patriots' season.
What's confirmed
- Wide receiver AJ Brown, a key addition to the New England Patriots, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain during last night’s opener against the Seattle Seahawks, according to multiple reports. Brown left the game early in the third quarter after an awkward fall, and an MRI is scheduled to determine the extent of his injury.
- Sources indicate that Brown's injury is a high ankle sprain, which typically results in a multi-game absence. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, the injury could significantly impact the Patriots' offensive strategy in the coming weeks. The team will likely turn to Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins to fill the void left by Brown’s absence.
- NFL Network reported that Brown’s X-rays were negative for a fracture, but he is believed to have a high ankle sprain. The injury occurred when Brown was trapped between the ground and Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, causing his ankle to bend awkwardly. Brown was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot after the game.
- Safety Kevin Byard checked on Brown in the training room and spoke to him briefly. The Patriots had high hopes for Brown, who was part of a major effort to upgrade their roster, including the signing of Alijah Vera-Tucker and Romeo Doubs in free agency and drafting Caleb Lomu.
- The injury comes as a blow to the Patriots, who had a nightmarish start to the 2026 season. Brown’s much-anticipated debut was cut short, and the team will now rely on other players to step up. Reports suggest that Brown was initially ruled questionable to return before being ruled out, and his precise timetable remains unconfirmed.
- The Patriots will need to adapt their game plan to manage the absence of Brown, with Romeo Doubs expected to receive the cleanest target increase. Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams are also in line to replace Brown’s perimeter snaps. The injury highlights the importance of Brown to the team’s offensive strategy and the potential impact of such an injury on the Patriots' season.
What's still developing
- Brown has an MRI today to determine how much time he’ll miss.
- Following the loss, Maye discussed the play that resulted in Brown's injury, citing what he can do better as a quarterback.
- Hard to continue effectively pic.twitter.com/JxaMccS34J If it is a high ankle sprain, the grade will significantly impact Brown's time away from the field.
- A high ankle sprain involves tearing or damaging the high ankle ligaments that connect the tibia to the fibula, per the Cleveland Clinic.