New England Patriots star A.J. Brown is invaluable to the team in the eyes of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Brown is dealing with an ankle injury that he sustained in the Patriots
’ 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. He is on injured reserve and is expected to be out for at least the next four games, giving McDaniels much work to do to make up for his absence while he is sidelined.According to Patriots Wire's Sophie Weller, McDaniels stated to the press before practice on Thursday that Brown brings a rare value to the offense, stressing that New England will need to rely on more than one player to fill his role.
“There’s not a one person replacement for a guy like that,” McDaniels said.
Josh McDaniels on AJ Brown: "There's not
a one person replacement for a guy like that."
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) September 17, 2026
Brown is an elite receiver in the league. He has six 1,000-yard seasons in the receiving yards department under his belt in his career, as well as All-Pro nods and a Super Bowl win to show for. His physical style, ability to win contested catches and effectiveness in picking up yards after the catch gives the Patriots a dangerous element to their offense.
With Brown out, McDaniels will need Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas to pick up the slack in his absence. That will be needed as early as their next matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Doubs has the versatility to do it all for New England as a No. 1 option, which he was for the playoff-contending Green Bay Packers last season. Hollins gives New England a great downfield option while Henry is also capable of leading the team in receiving in any one given game. And Douglas adds scoring chops and exceptional work out of the slot.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots OC Josh McDaniels makes admission after A.J. Brown injury
