NFL

Patriots Wide Receiver A.J. Brown Sidelined by New Knee Issue

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 30, 2026, 01:34 IST

New England Patriots receiver A.J. Brown missed practice on Thursday due to a knee ailment, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday's upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.

Patriots Wide Receiver A.J. Brown Sidelined by New Knee Issue

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown was absent from practice on Thursday, marking his first missed session since returning from injured reserve on October 14. The setback comes as the receiver manages a new knee ailment alongside the right high ankle sprain he sustained during the season opener.

According to reports, the flare-up in his knee has left his status for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins uncertain. The team opted to hold Brown out of Thursday’s session, which was conducted in full shoulder pads, suggesting a cautious approach to his physical workload given the intensity of the practice.

Managing Recovery and Integration

Prior to his absence, Brown spoke with reporters on Wednesday regarding his ongoing recovery. He acknowledged the challenges of returning to form after playing 102 snaps across two games in a five-day span. During those appearances, he recorded six receptions for 75 yards, though he noted that he struggled with three dropped passes. While he expressed that he felt flashes of his pre-injury explosiveness, he admitted that he is still working to regain full consistency.

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels addressed Brown’s integration into the offense shortly before the news of the knee issue emerged. McDaniels emphasized that the team is taking a measured approach to the receiver's return, noting that Brown has only participated in four practices and played eight quarters of football over the last two months. The coordinator highlighted the importance of following medical guidance regarding Brown’s physical capabilities while praising the player's work ethic and commitment to the team's process.

Depth Chart Adjustments

With Brown sidelined, the Patriots' wide receiver rotation saw DeMario Douglas leading the group through drills on Thursday. He was joined by Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III, who currently stand as the only healthy receivers on the active 53-man roster. The team also maintains depth on the practice squad, featuring Ryan Miller, Kyle Dixon, Chandler Brayboy, and Cameron Dorner, who remain available should the coaching staff need to adjust the lineup for the weekend.