New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is likely to be activated Saturday after missing four games with a right high ankle sprain, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Patriots have an open spot on their 53-man roster, and activating Brown adds a premium pass-catching option for quarterback Drake Maye, starting with Sunday's home game against the New York Jets.
In anticipation of Brown's return, Maye compared the situation to basketball, noting how defenses double the best player, leaving others open. Brown sustained the injury early in the third quarter of the season opener on Sept. 9. He returned to practice Wednesday, and coach Mike Vrabel will ultimately decide when he plays, focusing on the "long haul." Brown was limited in practice and will likely be eased back into action. The Patriots (3-2) visit the Chicago Bears on Thursday after Sunday's game against the Jets (2-3).
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing