New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, with head coach Mike Vrabel confirming there is a chance he plays Sunday against the New York Jets. Brown has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in the season opener.
Mike Vrabel’s Assessment of A.J. Brown’s Return
The possibility of A.J. Brown’s return comes as the Patriots prepare for their divisional matchup against the Jets. While Brown is officially eligible to be activated after missing the mandatory four-game minimum on injured reserve, head coach Mike Vrabel remains cautious about a definitive timeline.
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I don’t know whenever he’ll be back, he should help us. 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.
Despite the measured tone, Vrabel provided a more direct confirmation when asked specifically if Brown could suit up for Sunday’s game. When prompted on whether there was a chance for a Week 6 return, Vrabel offered a brief There’s a chance, yep, there is. The Patriots have gone 3-1 during the four-week period Brown has spent on the sidelines. His return would mark the end of a stint that began after he played 31 offensive snaps in a Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, during which he caught passes for 28 yards before being twisted on a tackle.
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Brown Shows Signs of Returning to Practice
Brown’s recovery has been characterized by consistent, positive developments. Last Wednesday, observers noted Brown moving through the team’s locker room without a noticeable limp, a physical milestone that has fueled optimism regarding his availability. He has also been spotted in the locker room wearing cleats, which indicates he has been conducting rehabilitation work on the team’s practice fields.
The team has yet to officially open Brown’s 21-day practice window, but league insiders have signaled that his return is imminent. Adam Schefter reported on Get Up that his understanding is that Brown is moving quite well, while Mike Garafolo noted earlier last week that the team’s internal hope was for a return as soon as the roster became eligible for his activation. Tom Pelissero reported that the receiver’s rehabilitation is everything seems to be trending in a positive direction.
Receivers Maintain Production During Brown's Absence
The current receiving group features several players who have stepped up in Brown’s absence. Romeo Doubs currently leads the team with 219 receiving yards, followed by Hollins with 209 yards and tight end Hunter Henry with 177 yards. Other contributors include DeMario Douglas (147 yards), Kyle Williams (135 yards), Rhamondre Stevenson (111 yards), Eli Raridon (101 yards), and Efton Chism III (98 yards). Christian Gonzalez, addressing the team’s depth, noted that the group works hard and remains focused on the offense clicking.
The front office’s decision not to pursue outside wide receiver help during Brown’s absence suggests the organization maintained confidence in the short-term nature of these injuries.
Injury Concerns for Will Campbell and Others
Beyond the receiver room, the Patriots are monitoring the status of left tackle Will Campbell, who exited Sunday’s game with a knee sprain. Vrabel indicated that the team is taking a day-by-day approach with Campbell’s rehabilitation. Rookie Caleb Lomu, who replaced Campbell against the Raiders, is expected to remain a key part of the contingency plan should Campbell be unavailable for the Jets matchup. Vrabel noted that Lomu was able to settle down and work well with left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker during the game.
The team also faces broader health questions across the roster. Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Channing Canada, and Karon Prunty were all out with injuries on Sunday. Outside linebacker Harold Landry III is still eligible to be activated off the PUP list. The Patriots are scheduled to face the Jets this coming Sunday, followed by a short-week game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
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Brown, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick, remains a critical piece of the team’s long-term plans. As Vrabel emphasized, the coaching staff will determine the receiver’s readiness by watching his performance at practice, ensuring that any decision to activate him aligns with the team’s need for sustained production.
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