Patriots Reportedly Make Major Decision On AJ Brown’s Return vs. Jets

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The New England Patriots-AJ Brown partnership took a major hit in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Brown suffered an ankle injury that forced the team to place him on injured reserve.

Speculation about his potential return this week only grew after the team opened Brown’s practice window. Even so, nothing was certain about the veteran’s availability.

Brown Returns To Practice With Limited Reps This Week

On Saturday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots would activate Brown off IR to play against division rivals, the New York Jets. Brown remained limited at practice on Thursday.

“The #Patriots will likely activate WR AJ Brown off Injured Reserve to play against the #Jets on Sunday, sources say. Brown returned to practice this week after a stint on IR with a high-ankle sprain and now an anticipated return to the field.”

Until Friday, Brown said his participation against the Jets was “up in the air,” but noted that he felt “pretty good” back on the field.

In his first and so far only game this season, the Super Bowl 59 champion posted three receptions for 26 yards. The Patriots (3-2) enter the contest against a Jets team that can make their life difficult.

With AJ Brown back in the lineup, it will be interesting to see how Drake Maye and the Patriots offense use him.