Patriots' A.J. Brown struggles to regain form after ankle injury
Wide receiver A.J. Brown has seen reduced production since returning from a high-ankle sprain, prompting coach Mike Vrabel to keep him on the field despite limited effectiveness.
A.J. Brown has appeared in most of the Patriots' recent games after returning from a high-ankle sprain, but his performance has fallen short of the level he displayed earlier in the season. In training camp, Brown matched up with rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez and used his physicality and lower-body explosiveness to win contested catches, a skill set that has diminished since his injury.
Brown acknowledged the difficulty of regaining his previous explosiveness. > "Yeah, sometimes, you know, I see it, and sometimes, I'm pushing through. But none of that stuff even matters. I'm out here, so I'm going."
He played 49 of 53 snaps against the Chicago Bears, following a 52-of-68 snap appearance against the New York Jets. The Patriots have relied on Brown partly because of injuries to Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins, leaving limited depth at wide receiver. Coach Mike Vrabel explained the necessity of keeping Brown on the field. > "We were down to four guys, so I mean, somebody's got to play in there. We like to have our best players available as much as they can be."
Since his return, Brown has recorded nine receptions on 21 targets, has not scored a touchdown, and has not completed a vertical route. The Patriots continue to count on him to improve production as the season progresses.