A.J. Brown Returns to Catch 2 TDs After Dislocating Thumb in Patriots Practice

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown dislocated his left thumb during a one-on-one drill on Monday but remained in practice to score two touchdowns.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown dislocated his left thumb during Monday's training camp practice but did not miss a single rep. The injury occurred during a one-on-one red zone drill in the left-hand corner of the end zone while Brown was matched up against Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Quarterback Drake Maye threw a fade toward the sideline, but Brown aborted the route after engaging with Gonzalez, resulting in an interception. Following the play, Brown removed his helmet and the glove from his left hand to be evaluated by team doctor Scott Martin and head athletic trainer Jim Whalen.

Despite the dislocation, Brown had the digit taped and immediately re-entered the session. He concluded the day by catching two touchdown passes during subsequent drills. This practice marked the eighth session of training camp, where the matchup between Brown and Gonzalez has been a consistent focal point. Brown later informed NFL Network analysts Mike Garafolo and Brian Baldinger that he intended to undergo "stim and ice" treatment once the afternoon session concluded to manage the swelling.

History of the Injury

This specific physical setback is not a new experience for the veteran wideout. Brown revealed that he previously dislocated the same thumb in 2018 while playing for the University of Mississippi. That collegiate injury took place during a Week 7 matchup against Arkansas. Despite the severity of the displacement at the time, he played through the pain for the final five games of that season. He cited this previous experience as a reason for his refusal to leave the field on Monday, stating that he prioritizes maintaining a "flow-state zone" even when dealing with the bumps and bruises inherent to the sport.

Chemistry With Drake Maye

Beyond the injury, Brown addressed his developing on-field relationship with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He admitted that their timing started slowly as Maye learned his specific movements and tendencies while facing elite coverage from Gonzalez. However, Brown noted that the duo has been picking up significant momentum as camp progresses. The receiver emphasized that he views practice with the same intensity as a game, telling Mike Garafolo, "Thumb out of place? You keep going."

Training Camp Intensity

The battle between Brown and Christian Gonzalez has been described as a must-see event throughout the first eight practices in Foxborough. While the Monday interception was a setback during the red zone period, Brown’s ability to return and secure two scoring receptions highlighted his durability. The receiver credited his mindset for his quick return, noting that he refuses to come out of practice for a finger displacement. He continues to work under the direction of the coaching staff, including Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels, as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season. Reporter Mike Reiss noted that the receiver maintained a positive demeanor despite the physical toll of the session.