A.J. Brown was actively involved during the New England Patriots’ eighth training camp practice on Monday. The veteran wide receiver did so despite suffering a dislocated left thumb early during the session.
He spoke about the injury during an appearance on NFL Network directly after the two-hour practice inside the Patriots’ indoor facility.
“It was tough. I tried to get back into that flow state zone really quickly, because you’re going through a little pain,” he explained. “Obviously, the game is
what it is and you’re going to get bumps and bruises. You got to keep going. I know it’s practice, but I’m not coming out of practice. You keep going.”
Brown’s injury happened during a 1-on-1 drill against Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots’ cornerback jammed the wideout at the line of scrimmage, and he hurt his finger while trying to disengage.
The 29-year-old, however, popped the finger back in himself. He later consulted with the team’s medical staff and put on a brace, but nonetheless remained a full participant in practice as well as one of the Patriots’ top performers. The offseason trade acquisition finished the session with four catches, including three on five targets during 11-on-11s.
Brown and the Patriots will return to the practice fields on Tuesday for the ninth practice of the summer.
