NFL2 hours ago2 minute read

Patriots Expect A.J. Brown Back on Field Against Jets

A.J. Brown is likely to return from his ankle injury on Sunday as the Patriots prepare to host the Jets.

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Brown Ready to Return

New England is preparing to welcome back wide receiver A.J. Brown. The team plans to activate him on Saturday ahead of Sunday's home game against the New York Jets.

Brown missed the past four games after suffering a right high ankle sprain early in the third quarter of the season opener on Sept. 9. The Patriots already have an open spot on their 53 man roster, so they do not need to make another move to add him.

Brown returned to practice on Wednesday. The Patriots listed him as limited throughout the week on the official injury report, and the team will likely ease him back onto the field before giving him a normal workload.

Opening Up the Offense

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel will make the final call on Brown's status. Brown noted that the staff is keeping the full year in mind, saying that a major factor would be for the "long haul, not just for temporarily."

Quarterback Drake Maye explained that having Brown on the field changes how defenses line up, comparing the effect to basketball.

"I think you see it in the NBA; it's probably the closest thing that I can think of," Maye said. "When they start doubling the best player once they get past half court, then they're just leaving a corner 3 open or leaving a guy open for a dunk. So it's kind of like playing receiver with a guy like that."

Maye added that other targets have stepped up to make plays. The 3-2 Patriots also have receivers Romeo Doubs, Pop Douglas, Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams available as they face the 2-3 Jets before visiting the Chicago Bears on Thursday.

What it means for the next game

New York Jets at New England Patriots (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): New England Patriots win 75%, New York Jets win 26%; projected score New England Patriots 26, New York Jets 17. Our safest pick: Patriots to win.

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (NFL, Fri, 23 Oct): Chicago Bears win 52%, New England Patriots win 48%; projected score Chicago Bears 25, New England Patriots 22. Our safest pick: Under 55.5 points.