A.J. Brown left the New England Patriots season opener early after sustaining a right lower‑leg injury, and the team is awaiting further imaging to determine treatment and availability. Brown exited about 90 seconds into the second half after a tackle and did not finish the game.
The play saw Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett appear to land on the back of Brown's lower leg while defending a short slant. Brown stayed on the turf, then walked off the field without his right cleat while assisted by medical staff. He later limped to the locker room and was seen wearing a boot, the Boston Herald reported.
NFL Network stated X‑rays were negative and described the injury as a high‑ankle sprain. The network added Brown will undergo further imaging, including an MRI, to determine the extent of the damage. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the club is running more tests and will update the team next week, and that they will decide treatment once reports are available.
Romeo Doubs told reporters Brown had reassured teammates that "everything was going to be all right." NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark said Brown was taken to the team's X‑ray room during the game. NBC's Mike Tirico noted Brown walked to the locker room under his own power but appeared to move slowly.
Implications For The Patriots And Expert Commentary
The injury removes the Patriots' new top receiver from immediate action and raises questions about New England's passing attack. The team acquired Brown in June via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending a 2027 fifth‑round pick and a 2028 first‑round selection in exchange for the wideout. Brown had been targeted four times before departing and caught three passes for 26 yards.
Dr. Jeff Mueller offered televised analysis suggesting multiple areas of concern, including a possible high‑ankle sprain and a PCL sprain in the right knee, and he said a fibula fracture was a remote possibility based on video. Mueller emphasized he had not personally examined Brown and was relying on television footage for his assessment.
The Patriots entered the game with Brown atop their receiver depth chart, followed by Romeo Doubs, Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams. Coach Vrabel said he did not know whether Brown would be available the following week but that Brown would do everything he could to return quickly. The team will update status after the MRI and medical review.
