Patriots set to open A.J. Brown's 21-day return window
New England may activate wide receiver A.J. Brown's 21-day practice window within 24 hours, aiming for his return in Week 6 against the Jets.
The New England Patriots are expected to open a 21-day practice window for wide receiver A.J. Brown within the next day, which would allow him to begin practicing ahead of a potential Week 6 debut against the New York Jets. Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain in the season-opening loss to Seattle and has been rehabilitating for more than a month.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels told reporters that he does not anticipate further delay in Brown's return, and the team believes the receiver could be ready for the Jets matchup. NFL Network analyst Mike Garafolo noted that the organization hopes to have Brown available for Week 6, though he emphasized that the timeline is not guaranteed.
"The hope is" Brown will play in Week 6, Garafolo said.
Brown was placed on injured reserve after the Week 1 injury, making Week 6 the earliest point at which he is eligible to return. Sources close to the team have indicated that an MRI performed recently showed no fractures, a positive sign for his recovery.
In Brown's absence, the Patriots have increased the roles of Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins and Demario Douglas. Doubs is expected to see more targets, while Hollins and Douglas have already seen a rise in snap counts and route volume.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz estimates Brown's return timeline between three and six weeks, suggesting the Patriots may consider a short-term IR designation if needed. The team will monitor his progress before confirming a full practice schedule.