New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is eligible to return from injured reserve during Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season. Brown suffered an ankle sprain during the Patriots’ Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and has been sidelined ever since.
Now, head coach Mike Vrabel has provided an update, claiming that Brown has a ‘chance’ of returning to practice this week, per a post on X by Mike Garafolo.
“There's a chance,” Vrabel said. “I don't know whenever he'll be back he should help us. I hope that he's going to help us. But that remains to be seen yet when he'll be back. So, we'll see how he does today and move from there.”
From @gmfb: The #Rams’ Alaric Jackson’s shot at the #Bills’ Bradley Chubb will be reviewed, Patriots WR A.J. Brown has a chance to return this week, #Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons does not and the #49ers’ Dre Greenlaw is appealing his suspension. pic.twitter.com/MMjB3sU5C1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 13, 2026
The Patriots are scheduled to hold their first official practice of the week on Wednesday, October 14. Brown’s eligibility to return from IR does not automatically mean he will be cleared to play.
Despite the injury against Seattle, Brown still recorded three receptions on four targets for 26 yards before leaving the game. He was then put on the injured reserve, which means that he was set to miss at least four games before being eligible for return.
As things stand, Brown's participation in practice over the coming days is likely to give fans a better idea about his projected return. The Patriots have suffered multiple setbacks in recent weeks. Mack Hollins was placed on injured reserve with a calf strain ahead of the Week 5 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, which has further affected New England’s depth at wide receiver for the time being.
Brown was reportedly spotted in the Patriots' locker room last Wednesday walking without any noticeable limp, which is surely a positive. New England is scheduled to host the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in Week 6.