NFL

New England Patriots Expected to Activate A.J. Brown for Jets Clash

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 17, 2026, 19:33 IST

Wide receiver A.J. Brown is set to return to the New England Patriots lineup against the New York Jets after recovering from a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for four games.

New England Patriots Expected to Activate A.J. Brown for Jets Clash

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to be activated from the injury list in time for Sunday’s home game against the New York Jets. The veteran pass-catcher has been sidelined for the past four contests due to a right high ankle sprain, an injury he sustained during the early stages of the third quarter in the team's season opener on September 9.

The Patriots currently hold an open spot on their 53-man roster, providing a straightforward path for Brown’s return to the active lineup. His presence is anticipated to bolster the team's offensive capabilities, offering quarterback Drake Maye a significant target as the Patriots look to improve upon their 3-2 record against the 2-3 Jets.

Maye Anticipates Offensive Boost

Quarterback Drake Maye has expressed optimism regarding the impact of Brown’s return, drawing a parallel between the receiver's presence and the tactical spacing seen in professional basketball. Maye noted that having a high-caliber threat on the field forces opposing defenses to make difficult coverage decisions, which in turn creates opportunities for other playmakers on the roster.

The quarterback emphasized that the team has developed depth during Brown's absence, with receivers such as Romeo Doubs, Pop Douglas, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams stepping up to contribute. Maye suggested that the combination of these players alongside a returning Brown will present a more complex challenge for defensive units moving forward.

Managing the Return to Action

Brown returned to the practice field this past Wednesday, though he remained limited throughout the week according to the team's official injury report. Speaking on his recovery, Brown indicated that head coach Mike Vrabel would have the final say on his availability, emphasizing that the decision-making process is focused on his long-term health rather than a short-term fix.

Given the nature of his injury, it is expected that the coaching staff will ease Brown back into the rotation rather than immediately assigning him his typical heavy workload. Following Sunday’s matchup against the Jets, the Patriots are scheduled to face the Chicago Bears on the following Thursday. The team will be looking to integrate Brown carefully as they navigate this upcoming stretch of games.