The New England Patriots could be getting a major offensive weapon back just in time for Week 6. Wide receiver A.J. Brown is now eligible to return from injured reserve, and head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Monday that there is a chance Brown could return to practice this week as the Patriots prepare to host the New York Jets.

Brown has chance to return this week

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: A.J. Brown #1 of the New England Patriots runs a drill during a minicamp at Gillette Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Brown has missed the Patriots’ last four games after suffering a high ankle sprain in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. New England placed him on injured reserve in September, guaranteeing that he would miss at least four games before becoming eligible to return.

Now, that mandatory absence is over.

Vrabel was asked Monday whether Brown could return for Week 6 and kept the possibility open.

“There’s a chance,” Vrabel said.

That does not guarantee Brown will play Sunday against the Jets, but it is an encouraging development for a Patriots offense that has been without its expected No. 1 receiver for most of the season. Brown would first need to return to practice, with New England then having a 21-day window to evaluate him before activating him from IR.

Brown made an immediate impact before his injury, catching three passes for 26 yards on four targets in the season opener while also drawing a 34-yard defensive pass interference penalty that helped set up New England’s lone touchdown.

Patriots could use Brown’s return

Jun 2, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) speaks at a press conference after practice at the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The timing could be especially important for New England after the team lost another veteran receiver. Mack Hollins was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury and will miss at least four games, leaving the Patriots extremely thin at wide receiver.

Despite the injuries, New England has managed to find production from its remaining receivers. The Patriots scored 45 points against the Raiders on Sunday with only four active wideouts: Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams.

Adding Brown back into that group would give Drake Maye a proven difference-maker and immediately raise the ceiling of the passing attack.

For now, the Patriots are simply waiting to see whether Brown can get back on the field this week. If he is able to practice and responds well, a Week 6 return against the Jets could become a realistic possibility.

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