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Report: Patriots WR A.J. Brown goes on IR, out at least 4 games

By Thomson Reuters Sep 11, 2026 | 12:50 PM

By Field Level Media

Sep 11 (Field Level Media) – The New England Patriots will put wide receiver A.J. Brown on injured reserve ​because of a high-ankle sprain sustained ‌in a season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, ESPN reported Friday.

Brown walked off the field with the injury to his right ankle on New England’s opening possession ‌of ​the second half in the ⁠Patriots’ 13-10 road loss ⁠on Wednesday. An MRI confirmed the high-ankle sprain.

He must miss at least four games before the Patriots can activate him. The earliest ​Brown could return would be New England’s Week 6.

The injury occurred when Brown was targeted ⁠by a third-down pass ⁠from Drake Maye, but Seahawks nickel ​cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett deflected the pass to force a ​punt. Pritchett’s knee landed on the outside ‌of Brown’s ankle, which twisted inward as he went to the ground.

Brown removed his right cleat and entered the blue medical tent on ⁠the sideline as the Patriots added a field goal to go ahead 10-0 in the third quarter.

Acquired from ⁠the Philadelphia ‌Eagles via trade in early June, ⁠Brown had three receptions for a ​team-high ‌26 yards in the first half.

Brown, ​29, was ⁠named second-team All-Pro with the Eagles in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

He has 527 receptions for 8,055 yards and 56 touchdowns in 106 career games (98 starts) with the Tennessee Titans (2019-21), Eagles (2022-25) and Patriots.

(–Field ​Level Media)