New England Patriots wideout A.J. Brown returned to practice this week, after being on injured reserve with an ankle injury, and reportedly is expected to play Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets.
Brown updated reporters on his status on Thursday:
“I feel pretty good,” Brown said. “It’s one step at a time with me, each and every day, just trying to increase my [workload], and just see how I respond each and every day. But I feel good, on the grass, practicing, working on the sides a little more.”
“He hasn’t been out there for four weeks, so we’ll get him out there practicing and see if he’s ready to go in a couple of days,” head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Wednesday. “I think it’s difficult sometimes to stay engaged, but I think his routine was really good, and his ability to be around the guys in the meetings and then also focus on his rehab and treat everything as a pro.”
Brown, 29, was New England’s major offseason acquisition, coming over in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. But he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the team’s Week 1 loss against the Seattle Seahawks and his 21-day practice window was opened this week.
Getting back the three-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion will obviously boost an offense that was already starting to find its groove again in recent weeks, although the timeline for Brown’s return remains uncertain.
Another offseason addition, Romeo Doubs, has led the passing attack in Brown’s absence. He’s caught 13 passes for 219 yards and two scores. Drake Maye has also relied on Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and tight end Hunter Henry, and the Patriots have run the ball well.
But Brown provides a downfield threat and is one of the best contested-catch weapons in football. Upon his return, he’ll immediately be the top priority in the passing game and should create opportunities for his teammates as well.
“I think you see it in the NBA,” Maye told reporters. “It’s probably the closest thing that I can think of. When they start doubling the best player once they get past half court, then they’re just leaving a corner 3 open or leaving a guy open for a dunk. So, it’s kind of like playing receiver and with a guy like that—we’ve got a lot of guys that have made plays now, so it’s going to be tough on defenses.”
