It's offical.
The New England Patriots announced on Saturday that they have activated wide receiver A.J. Brown from injured reserve after he spent the minimum four weeks sidelined for a high ankle sprain he suffered in the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
Brown began practicing this week, and although the Patriots had a 21-day window to activate him, they opted to not wait and get him back on that field as quickly a possible. And it makes sense as New England has not truly gotten to see the star wide receiver in action since they traded a first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in June to acquire him.
Earlier this week, Brown spoke about being back on the field.
“I’m one step at a time,” Brown said. “You know, right now I just
want to practice and get through this practice because again, it’s steps for me as, as well it is for them to see what they need to see on film. Because obviously we got pads on [Thursdays] and that’s a step and then the next day that’s a step and then getting tackled is a whole other step. So, it’s a process and we’re taking it one day at a time.”
He also took a moment to praise the other wide receivers for their efforts since he's been sidelined, with veteran Mack Hollins also being on injured reserve.
“I feel like the guys did a great job. You know, last week was phenomenal,” Brown said of the receivers. “Obviously, there were still things to improve on and they would tell you that, but I think they did really well. Whenever I do decide to come back, I just want to add and continue to keep putting it out on display.”
Whether Brown will be on a limited snap count remains to be seen, but it's a major get by the Patriots, who also have a tough matchup next week on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots get major boost, A.J. Brown returns from injured reserve
