New England Patriots wide receiver AJ Brown is expected to be activated off injured reserve and return for Sunday’s Week 6 game against the New York Jets, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
The report, which surfaced Saturday, marks a significant boost for an offense that has already shown signs of life without its top offseason acquisition. Brown, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, has been on IR for the past four games and is now eligible to return.
AJ Brown Injury Timeline and Practice Updates
Brown exited New England’s 13-10 loss to Seattle in the third quarter after landing awkwardly on a pass from Drake Maye. An MRI confirmed the high-ankle sprain, and the Patriots quickly placed him on injured reserve, guaranteeing he would miss at least four games.
High-ankle sprains (syndesmotic sprains) typically sideline NFL players for 4–6 weeks. Historical data shows an average absence of roughly 3.3 games, though severity varies widely. Brown’s case was initially projected closer to the longer end of that range, but his recovery progressed favorably.
This week, the Patriots opened Brown’s 21-day practice window. He returned to the field on a limited basis and reported feeling “pretty good,” according to multiple reports. Head coach Mike Vrabel had previously indicated the team would evaluate Brown’s readiness day by day, with a final decision expected by Saturday afternoon.
How the Patriots Acquired AJ Brown
Brown arrived in New England via a June 1, 2026, trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots sent a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder in exchange for the three-time Pro Bowl receiver, pairing him with quarterback Drake Maye.
The move reunited Brown with head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him during his early years with the Tennessee Titans. It addressed New England’s long-standing need for a true No. 1 outside receiver.
Impact on the Patriots Offense and Drake Maye
Even without Brown, the Patriots (3-2) have won two of their last three games, including a 45-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in which Maye threw for 374 yards and four touchdowns. Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and others have filled the void effectively.
Still, Brown’s return changes the equation. A physical, contested-catch specialist with elite route-running ability, he gives Maye a proven alpha target who consistently drew coverage and produced in previous seasons. His presence should open opportunities for the rest of the receiving corps and the run game.
Vrabel and Maye have both spoken positively about what Brown can add once fully reintegrated. While he may see a managed workload in his first game back, his mere presence on the field forces defensive adjustments.
What to Watch vs. the Jets
The Patriots host the Jets (2-3) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET. New England enters as a clear favorite, and Brown’s activation would further tilt the matchup. Fantasy managers who held Brown through the IR stint should monitor the official activation, as he is expected to be a high-upside WR2/flex option even on a potential pitch count.
If Brown plays, watch his snap count and target share closely. A successful return would also set up a short-week trip to face the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
Bottom Line
Ian Rapoport’s report that the Patriots will likely activate AJ Brown off injured reserve for the Jets game is the latest positive development in what has been a cautious but encouraging recovery from a high-ankle sprain. For a Patriots team looking to build momentum behind Drake Maye, getting their marquee offseason addition back on the field represents a major step forward.