The New England Patriots took a big swing un hopes of unlocking Drake Maye's potential at quarterback. Stefon Diggs, despite a solid 2025, was out. In his place came free agent signee Romeo Doubs and, once the new league year began, A.J. Brown.
The price for the three-time former All-Pro was steep. New England sent first and fifth round picks in order to add a dynamic downfield threat to its lineup. But his Patriots debut was cut short after three catches, 26 yards and a pass interference penalty that set up the only touchdown in the first half of a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks. On the first drive of the second half, Maye dropped back and whipped a third down pass Brown's way. It was broken up by Seattle defensive back Nehemiah
Pritchett, who landed on Browns ankle after swatting away the ball.
another look at the AJ Brown injury that has him questionable to return in the second half
— Christian D'Andrea (@trainisland.bsky.social) 2026-09-10T02:04:19.157Z
Brown immediately grabbed his ankle. He limped off the field alongside trainers amidst a commercial break. NBC later reported he was questionable to return with a lower leg injury.
If A.J. Brown can't play, who'll step up for the Patriots?
This would be a great time to have Kayshon Boutte on the roster, but he was made redundant by Brown's arrival and dealt to the Houston Texans. Instead, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins could see more of a role. Doubs signed a four year, $68 million contract with the Pats this offseason but didn't have a target in the first half of his debut. Hollins, a valuable downfield threat and blocker, had one catch for nine yards when Brown left the game.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: A.J. Brown injury update: Will Patriots star WR return vs. Seahawks?
