The New England Patriots received some encouraging news regarding star wide receiver A.J. Brown on Monday. Brown was spotted walking through the Patriots’ locker room wearing cleats and without a visible limp, a positive development as he continues to recover from the high-ankle sprain that landed him on injured reserve.
Brown is not eligible to return until Week 6 at the earliest because of his placement on injured reserve, but his latest appearance provides an encouraging sign for the Patriots and their new No. 1 wide receiver.
Brown appears to be making progress
Brown suffered the right ankle injury during New England’s season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. An MRI confirmed a high-ankle sprain, and the Patriots subsequently placed him on injured reserve, guaranteeing that he would miss at least four games.
The injury initially appeared particularly concerning after Brown was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot. The Patriots later determined that surgery would not be necessary, although reports indicated that the injury could keep him sidelined for approximately six weeks.
Now, less than three weeks after suffering the injury, Brown being able to walk without a limp while wearing cleats is certainly a welcome sight.
According to Karen Guregian, Brown was spotted entering the Patriots’ locker room Monday with no limp and wearing cleats. He also had a small wrap around the injured ankle.
Patriots still have to be patient
As encouraging as the development is, Brown isn’t going to immediately return to the lineup. His IR designation means Week 6 against the New York Jets is the earliest possible return, and even that date isn’t guaranteed.
Brown’s recovery will be closely monitored over the next several weeks, particularly because high-ankle sprains can vary significantly in recovery time.
The Patriots made Brown one of their biggest offseason additions after acquiring him from the Philadelphia Eagles, expecting him to become Drake Maye’s primary target. He caught three passes for 26 yards in his Patriots debut before suffering the injury.
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