The New England Patriots are likely to activate A.J. Brown from injured reserve ahead of their Sunday game against the New York Jets, according to Pro Football Rumors, citing NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The expected activation is not a completed transaction, and Brown was listed as questionable for the matchup.
Brown’s possible return would give quarterback Drake Maye another receiving option after the wideout missed time with a high-ankle sprain. Activation would make Brown eligible to face the Jets, but it would not establish his playing status or workload.
Patriots Expected to Activate A.J. Brown From IR
Rapoport’s reported expectation is that New England will activate Brown before Sunday’s divisional game. Brown suffered the injury in the Patriots’ Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was placed on injured reserve, according to Pro Football Rumors.
The Patriots designated Brown to return on Wednesday, beginning the next step toward a possible return. That designation opened the door for him to rejoin the active roster, but the reported expectation should not be treated as confirmation that the transaction has been completed.
Brown’s Practice Participation and Questionable Status
Pro Football Rumors reported that Brown was a limited participant in all three practices during the week and was listed as questionable for Sunday. The practice participation and designation show he was working toward a return, while leaving his availability for the game in question.
Brown, 29, had been expected to miss as many as six weeks, according to Pro Football Rumors. His potential return as soon as he became eligible would give the Patriots a chance to bring back a leading receiver sooner than that initial expectation, though no specific playing role is established.
Why Brown’s Return Could Matter for Drake Maye
A return would add a prominent target to Maye’s receiving group. The Patriots also have a recent connection between Brown and Maye from minicamp; their minicamp chemistry provides context for the potential pairing, without determining how quickly that connection will translate to game action.
The receiving group has changed during Brown’s absence. Pro Football Rumors reported that Mack Hollins was placed on injured reserve the previous week with a calf injury, removing another option from the lineup as the Patriots prepare for the Jets.
Romeo Doubs has contributed in Brown’s absence. Pro Football Rumors reported that Doubs caught 12 passes for 203 yards over the three games after Week 1. Those figures provide recent production from the receiver, but they do not establish how the Patriots will divide targets or playing time if Brown returns.
What Brown’s Possible Return Means Against the Jets
If the Patriots activate Brown, he would be eligible to face New York. The questionable designation means the possibility of activation should not be confused with a guarantee that he will play; the reported practice participation alone does not settle that question.
Pro Football Rumors noted that New England could limit Brown’s snaps in his first action back. That is a possibility, not a confirmed plan, and no snap count or starting role has been reported. His presence could draw defensive attention and give Maye another option, while Doubs and the rest of the available receivers remain part of the offense.
For now, the key distinction is between an expected roster move and confirmed game availability. Brown’s return to practice and questionable listing put him on the path toward a possible appearance, but his status against the Jets depends on the next steps before the game.
