Patriots WR A.J. Brown Exits Opener With Ankle Injury

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown left Wednesday night’s season-opening loss to the Seahawks with a right ankle injury and did not return.

The Patriots ultimately lost 13-10 in Seattle after Brown exited in the third quarter. It was an ugly offensive showing for New England, which struggled to capitalize even after Seahawks starting quarterback Sam Darnold left the game in the first quarter.

Brown finished his Patriots debut with three catches for 26 yards on four targets. His early departure left Drake Maye without the team’s primary playmaker, and the quarterback endured a difficult night, completing 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

A.J. Brown Injury Update

Brown was reportedly seen in a walking boot after leaving the stadium. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Brown is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, though he is expected to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury and establish a timetable for his return.

The positive news is that X-rays were negative for a fracture.

Patriots’ Receiver Depth Tested

The Patriots acquired Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in June to become Maye’s No. 1 receiver.

New England also allowed Stefon Diggs to leave in the offseason and traded Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans a few short weeks ago. That leaves the Patriots with less proven receiving depth if Brown is forced to miss time.

Romeo Doubs could be one player in line for a bigger role, but the Patriots will need more consistency from the entire offense after Maye averaged just 5.39 yards per pass attempt in the opener.

What’s Next for New England?

The Patriots will return home to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 20. Some NFL oddsmakers are hesitant to list an early line for the game until Brown's status becomes clear. Regardless, New England must prepare for the possibility of going without its top offseason acquisition.