The New England Patriots lost on Wednesday, but the hits kept coming on Thursday.
An MRI confirmed that star wide receiver A.J. Brown sustained a high ankle sprain during the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday and could miss three to six weeks, according to multiple reports.
“I don’t know if he’ll be available going forward here for the next week, but we’ll see,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said. “Once we get the report, we’ll figure out what the treatment plan is.”
The 29-year-old sustained the injury while trying to make a catch on an incomplete pass in the third quarter. Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett’s knee made contact with Brown’s ankle, pushing it into the ground.
The three-time Pro Bowler was initially listed as questionable to return before eventually being ruled out. He had three catches for 26 yards while also drawing a defensive pass interference penalty that led to the Patriots’ lone touchdown before leaving the game.
The Patriots acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason for first- and fifth-round picks in the 2028 and 2027 NFL Drafts, respectively, with the hope that he could become Drake Maye’s No. 1 receiver and help elevate the offense.
In Brown’s four seasons with the Eagles, he was durable, missing just six games and playing all 17 games in a season twice. In Brown’s absence, Maye will turn to Romeo Doubs, whom the Patriots signed to a four-year, $68 million contract this offseason, along with Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams.
Doubs had a crucial drop on second-and-14 in the fourth quarter that would have resulted in a first down. After the drop, Maye threw an interception on the drive, one of his three in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots (0-1) will look to bounce back when they play the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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