A.J. Brown Status 'Up in the Air' for Patriots vs. Jets Following Practice Return

Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown returned to the field as a limited participant Wednesday after missing time with a right high-ankle sprain.

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown characterized his availability for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets as "still up in the air" following his return to practice this week. Brown has been sidelined since the third quarter of the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, where he sustained a right high-ankle sprain. After participating in Wednesday's session on a limited basis, the receiver aimed to increase his workload during a physical Thursday practice conducted in full shoulder pads.

Head coach Mike Vrabel will make the final determination on whether Brown plays against the 2-3 Jets or remains sidelined to prioritize his long-term health. The 3-2 Patriots face a condensed schedule following Sunday's contest, as the team is slated to travel for a game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Oct. 22. Brown noted that his recovery progress recently allowed him to resume playing tag with his 4-year-old son, Deuce, which served as a milestone in his rehabilitation process.

During his time away from the team, Brown attended his wife Kelsey’s nursing school graduation in New Jersey after being excused from mandatory rehabilitation by Vrabel. While the receiver expressed satisfaction with being back on the grass rather than working on the side, he emphasized a "one step at a time" approach to his return to the active roster.