The New England Patriots were on the wrong side of a 13-10 season-opening defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, but that may not have been the loss with the biggest impact on the rest of their season.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who was acquired via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in June, exited 90 seconds into the second half of the contest with a right ankle injury, as the Patriots led 7-0.
Before he left the game, Brown had three catches for 26 yards on four targets. He also helped draw a 34-yard pass interference flag on a flea-flicker play that set up New England's lone touchdown.
A.J. Brown injury update
Brown was initially ruled questionable to return. The 28-year-old stayed on the Lumen Field turf for a moment before walking off without his right cleat alongside
the Patriots' training staff. After spending time on the bench, he went into the medical tent and eventually limped to the locker room.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett appeared to land on the back of Brown's lower leg while defending a short slant intended for the wideout.
NFL Network reported that X-rays were negative and that Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain. He will undergo further imaging (MRI) to determine the extent of the damage.
"Running more tests," Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Thursday, Sept. 10. "We'll update you here next week. Wasn't able to finish the game. Continue to evaluate. Continue to run tests. I don't know if he'll be available for the next week. I know that he'll do everything he can to get back as quickly as possible. Once we get the reports, we'll figure out what the treatment plan is."
How long is A.J. Brown out?
Brown's injury timeline remains uncertain, but multiple reports indicate that Brown could be out at least four weeks and as many as six weeks as he recovers from the ankle injury.
Fellow wideout Romeo Doubs told reporters that Brown told his teammates "everything was going to be all right." The Boston Herald noted Brown exited the locker room while wearing a boot on his right foot.
The Patriots' next game is at home Sept. 20 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Patriots wide receiver depth chart
The Patriots entered the season with five receivers on the active roster for the contest in Seattle. Including Brown, the depth chart is:
- A.J. Brown
- Romeo Doubs
- Demario Douglas
- Mack Hollins
- Kyle Williams
Contributing: Jacob Camenker
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long is A.J. Brown out? Injury update, return date for Patriots WR
