A.J. Brown is already walking without a noticeable limp, just weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain during the New England Patriots’ Week 1 loss right here at Lumen Field against our Seattle Seahawks. This speedy recovery is giving the Patriots some serious hope he could return to the field much sooner than originally expected.
The Week 1 Knockout and a Shocking Recovery
Remember that Week 1 opener? Yeah, our Hawks were out there making plays, and during that game, Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown went down with a high-ankle sprain. He’s been on injured reserve since, with the earliest possible return date being Week 6 when the Patriots face the New York Jets. Initially, reports were swirling that this type of injury could sideline Brown for six to eight weeks, which would have kept him out well past that Week 6 eligibility.
But get this: The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed reported Wednesday that he saw Brown in the locker room, and the guy was moving without any noticeable limp. Seriously? That’s a huge shift from what we were hearing! NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo backed it up, saying the Patriots are “hoping” Brown can indeed make it back by Week 6. Garafolo did add it’s not a firm plan, but the hope is definitely there now. Our Hawks put him on the shelf, and he might be getting off it way faster than anyone thought possible.
Patriots’ Receiving Room Is Feeling The Pain
It’s no secret the Patriots desperately need Brown back on the field. Without him, Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs have been their leading receivers, pulling in 209 yards and 203 yards respectively. But now, it’s like a curse has hit their receiving corps again: Hollins is dealing with a calf injury and his status for Week 5 is uncertain. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is just “hoping” Hollins can even practice this week.
If Hollins can’t go, New England will have to lean even harder on Doubs, Hunter Henry (who’s got 133 receiving yards), and guys like Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas. Those two have combined for a measly 126 receiving yards all season. It’s rough out there for the Pats’ offense, and the void our Hawks created in Week 1 is clearly taking its toll.
The Patriots are clearly reeling, and all eyes are on that Week 6 matchup against the New York Jets, hoping Brown can make his return when first eligible. If he does, it’ll be a surprisingly quick turnaround for a guy our Hawks certainly made an impact on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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