FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown returned to the practice field this week for the first time in a month, but his availability remains undecided for Sunday’s divisional matchup against the New York Jets.
Brown told reporters Thursday that his status is “still up in the air” as the coaching staff evaluates how his body responds to increased activity. The team opened Brown’s 21-day practice window on Wednesday, clearing him to return from injured reserve after he missed four games with a right high-ankle sprain suffered in New England’s season opener.
Evaluating the long-term plan
Brown participated on a limited basis Wednesday before testing his ankle during a fully padded, contact session on Thursday. The 29-year-old veteran said he is taking things step by step rather than rushing his return.
“Obviously it’s going to be a Coach Vrabel decision, to see where I’m at and make the better decision for the long haul, not just for temporarily,” Brown said, as reported by ESPN. He noted that after spending weeks doing rehabilitation work on the side, it felt encouraging to get back onto the grass with teammates.
Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Wednesday that team personnel would evaluate Brown over several days of workouts to judge his readiness. Vrabel commended the receiver for staying mentally locked into meetings and managing his daily routine like a professional during his recovery timeline.
A critical consideration for New England is the upcoming calendar. After hosting the 2-3 Jets on Sunday, the 3-2 Patriots face a rapid turnaround, traveling to take on the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Oct. 22. Playing Brown on Sunday could mean exposing him to two games in five days.
Adjusting without their top target
Acquired in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, Brown was expected to serve as the centerpiece of New England’s aerial attack. Instead, he exited during the third quarter of the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
In his absence, wideout Romeo Doubs has stepped up as the primary passing target for quarterback Drake Maye, hauling in 13 receptions for 219 yards and two touchdowns, Bleacher Report noted. The offense has also leaned on pass catchers Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and tight end Hunter Henry to support a productive running game.
Maye noted that getting the three-time Pro Bowler back will open up the entire offense, comparing Brown’s impact to basketball stars drawing double teams away from perimeter shooters.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Brown provided “fresh juice” upon his return to practice. McDaniels added that coaches have prepared schemes for both possibilities, praising the versatility of their receiving corps to shift across multiple alignments if Brown is held out.
Motivation during rehab
Brown also reflected on the emotional toll of the injury, recalling how his immediate thought as he lay hurt on the turf in Seattle was that he might miss his wife Kelsey’s nursing school graduation in New Jersey. He praised Vrabel for excusing him from mandatory facility rehab so he could attend the ceremony.
Once back home, Brown drew daily motivation from his 4-year-old son, Deuce, who was eager to play tag. The receiver said being unable to run after his child spurred his desire to recover quickly. Once he was able to cut and evade his son in games of tag at home, Brown said he knew his ankle was turning the corner.
The Patriots must decide by Saturday afternoon whether to activate Brown to the 53-man roster for Sunday’s contest, or hold him out with eyes on the quick trip to Chicago.
