The New England Patriots have suffered a major setback following their season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver A.J. Brown is being placed on injured reserve because of the high ankle sprain he suffered during the opener.
Brown will miss at least four games before he becomes eligible to return. The injury is a significant blow to an offense that had high expectations for the receiver after acquiring him from the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason.
Brown will miss multiple games
The receiver will miss games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. His earliest possible return would come after completing the minimum injured reserve period.
Brown suffered the injury during the second half of New England's 13-10 loss to Seattle. He finished the game with three receptions for 26 yards and had started to develop chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye.
A major blow for Drake Maye
Brown's absence creates a significant challenge for Maye, who entered the season with the veteran receiver expected to be one of his primary targets in the passing game.
New England will need bigger contributions from players such as Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams. Tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon could also receive expanded roles.
The Patriots lose their biggest offseason addition
New England acquired Brown during the offseason with the expectation that he would become the focal point of its passing attack. The three-time Pro Bowl selection had recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in six of his first seven NFL seasons.
The Patriots must now find ways to keep their offense productive while Brown recovers. His injury comes after New England surrendered a 10-point lead and lost 13-10 to Seattle in the season opener.