Patriots’ A.J. Brown Could Return for Week 6 vs. Jets, Vrabel Says ‘There’s a Chance’
Wide receiver eligible for Week 6 activation against Jets; Vrabel noncommittal on practice status
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A.J. Brown’s four-game absence from the New England Patriots‘ lineup may be nearing an end. The wide receiver, sidelined since suffering an ankle sprain in the season opener against Seattle, is eligible to return from injured reserve this week as the Patriots prepare to host the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the possibility Wednesday, telling reporters “there’s a chance” Brown could practice as New England begins its Week 6 preparations. The team’s first official session of the week is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, which will provide the first real test of Brown’s readiness.
“I don’t know whenever he’ll be back he should help us,” Vrabel said. “I hope that he’s going to help us. But that remains to be seen yet when he’ll be back. So, we’ll see how he does today and move from there.”
Brown was injured in the first quarter of the Patriots’ Week 1 loss to the Seahawks but not before catching three passes on four targets for 26 yards. The ankle sprain landed him on injured reserve, which mandated a minimum four-game absence. That window closes this week.
The Patriots’ receiving corps has been further depleted in Brown’s absence. Mack Hollins was placed on IR with a calf strain ahead of New England’s Week 5 victory over Las Vegas, leaving the offense thin at the position. Brown’s potential return would restore a downfield threat for quarterback Drake Maye, who has shown progress in recent weeks under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
A positive sign emerged last Wednesday when Brown was spotted in the Patriots’ locker room walking without a noticeable limp. However, eligibility to return from IR does not guarantee activation for Sunday’s game. The Patriots must decide by Saturday afternoon whether to add him to the 53-man roster or keep him on IR for the remainder of the season.
New England enters Week 6 at 2-3 following the win over the Raiders. The Jets, also 2-3, come to Gillette Stadium after a bye week.
