The New England Patriots received some good news when they activated A.J. Brown from injured reserve, but that optimism did not last long.
Just two days after Brown returned to the lineup, the Patriots placed wide receiver Romeo Doubs on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, creating another major challenge for the offense as the team prepares for a short week.
Romeo Doubs lands on injured reserve
The Patriots announced Monday that Doubs was placed on injured reserve after suffering the shoulder injury during Sunday’s 26-19 victory over the New York Jets. The injury occurred when Doubs made a spectacular 42-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Drake Maye in the first quarter. He landed hard on his shoulder and did not return to the game.
Doubs will miss at least four games as a result of the move, meaning the earliest he can return is after the Patriots’ Week 11 bye. His absence is significant because he has been one of the most productive receivers on New England’s offense through six games.
In his first season with the Patriots, Doubs has recorded 14 receptions for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He currently leads New England in receiving yards and is tied for the team lead in touchdown catches.
The Patriots signed Doubs to a four-year contract during the offseason after he spent the first four seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers. New England was counting on him to become an important piece alongside Brown and quarterback Drake Maye.
Now the Patriots will have to find a way to replace his production.
A.J. Brown suddenly has even more pressure
The timing of the injury could not be more significant for Brown.
New England activated Brown from injured reserve on Saturday after he missed four games with a high-ankle sprain suffered during the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
Brown immediately stepped back into a significant role against the Jets, playing 52 of New England’s 68 offensive snaps and receiving 10 targets. However, the production was limited, with Brown finishing with three catches for 27 yards.
With Doubs now unavailable, the Patriots cannot afford to wait long for Brown to regain his pre-injury form.
New England is also dealing with the absence of Mack Hollins, who remains on injured reserve with a calf injury. That leaves DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams among the receivers expected to take on larger roles behind Brown.
The timing makes the situation even more difficult. The Patriots are coming off their third straight victory and are scheduled to face the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, giving the offense only a few days to adjust to another significant roster change.
For a Patriots team trying to build momentum around Maye, losing Doubs just as Brown returns is a tough blow. Brown now becomes even more important to an offense that suddenly has much less depth at wide receiver.
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