The New England Patriots are hoping to have A.J. Brown in the lineup Sunday when they face the Miami Dolphins in South Florida, but he did not take part in Thursday's practice with what the team called knee and ankle issues.
It seems a bit discouraging because Brown was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice session, but did not get on the field to work out with his teammates a day later. However, Patriots wide receivers coach Todd Downing did not seem concerned or alarmed about the development. “I'm not worried about where A.J.'s at, at all,” Downing said, per MassLive Patriots reporter Mark Daniels.
Brown has had multiple injury issues in his first season with the Patriots. The former Philadelphia Eagles star suffered an ankle injury in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. He has been in the lineup for the last two games and he has contributed 6 receptions for 75 yards. He has not looked like a dangerous, big-play performer to this point, and that's just what the Patriots are hoping he becomes the rest of the season.
At this point, the Patriots have been depending on tight end Hunter Henry and wideouts Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas as quarterback Drake Maye's primary receivers. Henry has been targeted 31 times, and he has 26 receptions for 296 yards and 2 TDs.
Doubs has caught 14 passes for 261 yards for 3 touchdowns and he looks like he is starting to get used to playing in the Patriots system after coming over from the Green Bay Packers. Douglas has added 23-256-3 and he clearly has an important role in the Patriots' offensive game plan.