A.J. Brown Suffers Ankle Injury in Patriots Debut

The New England Patriots suffered a major scare Wednesday night as star wide receiver A.J. Brown was forced to leave the team’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks with a right ankle injury.

Brown suffered the injury during New England’s opening possession of the second half. On a third-down incompletion intended for Brown, Seahawks defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett’s knee landed on the outside of Brown’s ankle, causing it to twist inward as he went to the ground.

Brown immediately received attention from the Patriots’ medical staff before walking to the sideline. He removed his cleat and entered the blue medical tent for further evaluation before heading to the locker room for X-rays.

The Patriots initially listed Brown as questionable to return, but he was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.

The injury is especially concerning for New England because Brown was making his Patriots debut after the team acquired him from the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason. The veteran receiver was expected to become one of quarterback Drake Maye’s biggest weapons and give the Patriots offense another explosive option.

Brown had already made an impact before leaving the game. He finished his night with three receptions for 26 yards, including two catches that moved the chains. He also drew a crucial defensive pass interference penalty near the goal line that helped set up New England’s first touchdown.

For now, the biggest question is the severity of Brown’s ankle injury and whether he will be available for Week 2. With the Patriots opening their season on Wednesday, the team has extra time to evaluate him before its next game.

New England will certainly hope the injury is minor. Losing Brown for an extended period would be a significant blow to an offense that entered 2026 with legitimate expectations after reaching the Super Bowl last season.

For now, Patriots fans will have to wait for additional updates on their new star receiver.