A.J. Brown Exits Patriots Debut Early With Right Ankle Injury

Wide receiver A.J. Brown recorded three catches for 26 yards before suffering a right ankle injury during the Patriots' 13-10 loss to the Seahawks.

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a right ankle injury and did not return during a 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday night. The veteran, making his debut for New England, left the game early in the third quarter following an incomplete third-down pass from quarterback Drake Maye. During the play, Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett appeared to land on Brown's ankle with his full body weight while in tight coverage. Brown finished the contest with three receptions for 26 yards.

After remaining down on the field, Brown walked slowly to the sideline and spent time in the medical tent before heading to the locker room with training staff. ESPN reports that the receiver was wearing a protective boot on his foot following the game. While the team initially listed his status as questionable, they downgraded him to out at the start of the fourth quarter. Coach Mike Vrabel did not provide a post-game update on the injury, though safety Kevin Byard III noted Brown appeared to be in good spirits.

Brown’s contributions prior to the exit included drawing a defensive pass interference penalty on a deep ball from Maye, which positioned the offense for their only touchdown. On the subsequent play, Maye connected with rookie tight end Eli Raridon for a 2-yard score. The Patriots, who acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles on June 1 in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick, now face an extended layoff. Their next game is scheduled for Sept. 20 at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.