The New England Patriots have discussed contingency plans in case A.J. Brown cannot play in Week 6, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said, according to NFLTradeRumors.co.
Brown said his availability was up in the air, while left tackle Will Campbell planned to do some work at Wednesday’s practice and was hopeful to play. Neither update established that either player would miss Week 6.
Patriots A.J. Brown Week 6 status and contingency plans
McDaniels said the Patriots had already discussed how they would play and use their packages if Brown could not take the field. He added that the players were studying both possibilities, rather than preparing only for a lineup with Brown available.
“Would we know how we’re going to go ahead and play the game or use those packages if he doesn’t make it? Yes, we have already talked about that, and the guys are studying both ends of the spectrum,” McDaniels said.
His comments describe preparation for a possible absence, not a decision that Brown will sit. Mark Daniels reported that Brown characterized his Week 6 availability as “up in the air.” That leaves the Patriots weighing different options as they prepare for the game.
McDaniels points to versatility among the receivers
McDaniels said several players in the receiving group know multiple positions, giving the Patriots flexibility to adjust their packages. He named Romeo, Pop and Hunter among those players, referring to Romeo Doubs, DeMario “Pop” Douglas and Hunter Henry.
“They all know multiple positions, and that’s a great strength of our group in that we have some versatility,” McDaniels said. He also mentioned Chiz, Kyle and Eli as part of the group he cited.
The coordinator did not identify a specific replacement for Brown or say that one receiver would take over his role. The point of his update was that the group has experience across positions and is preparing for more than one possibility.
Will Campbell hopes to play in Week 6
Doug Kyed reported that Campbell, who has a knee injury, planned to do “some stuff” at Wednesday’s practice and remained hopeful he could play in Week 6. His comments point to a gradual practice build-up, rather than a definitive statement about his game availability.
“Just building up throughout the week. See what happens,” Campbell said. The update provides a second Patriots availability note, but Campbell’s practice plan and Brown’s status are separate matters.
AFC notes: Chubb, Jackson and the Bills
NFLTradeRumors.co reported that Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson was suspended after punching Buffalo Bills edge rusher Bradley Chubb following their Week 5 game. Chubb addressed suggestions that his remarks involved Jackson’s mother and denied making comments about her.
Chubb said his words were about the Bills using a tight end and a guard to help block him. He described the exchange as on-field trash talk, saying, “That tight end and guard is not going to save you.” His account focused on the blocking help Jackson received; the claim about Jackson’s mother was disputed by Chubb.
Jets injury and discipline updates
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said he was fined for a hit on Cleveland Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion and was trying to get the fine reduced. Fitzpatrick called it a football play and said he was glad to see Concepcion back practicing that week.
Zack Rosenblatt reported that Jets coach Aaron Glenn said wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had undergone a small procedure on his hand, was moving his fingers well and remained week-to-week. Mitchell’s status was not accompanied by a return date.
Connor Hughes reported that running back Breece Hall, guard Dylan Parham and edge rusher Joseph Ossai were also week-to-week with injuries. Separately, Rosenblatt reported that tight end Kenyon Sadiq remained in the league’s concussion protocol.
Those updates add several AFC developments to the week’s news, but the Patriots’ immediate focus is their own preparation: Brown’s availability remains in question, Campbell is hopeful, and McDaniels said the team has discussed how it would adjust if Brown cannot play.
