Patriots Place A.J. Brown on IR With High Ankle Sprain

The New England Patriots are placing star wide receiver A.J. Brown on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games due to a high ankle sprain suffered in the team's season-opening loss. The move, reported by multiple outlets citing team sources and ESPN's Adam Schefter, creates a significant offensive challenge for quarterback Drake Maye and the Patriots' receiving corps. Brown sustained the injury during the third quarter of Wednesday's 13-10 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. He was attempting to catch an underthrown pass when his right ankle was rolled upon by a defender. The MRI revealed a moderate high ankle sprain, with recovery timelines generally ranging from four to six weeks. Brown will miss at least the next four games: against the Pittsburgh Steelers, at the Jacksonville Jaguars, at the Buffalo Bills, and versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Before exiting, Brown had three receptions for 26 yards and drew a crucial 34-yard pass interference penalty that set up the Patriots' only touchdown. His absence is a major blow for an offense that acquired him in a June trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, surrendering a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.