Brown suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to Seattle, ending his first game with New England after the team acquired him during the offseason. He finished the game with three catches for 26 yards before being forced out with the ankle injury.

His absence is a major blow for an offense led by Drake Maye. Brown was expected to give the Patriots a true No. 1 receiver and another major weapon for Maye, but the young quarterback will now have to operate without one of New England’s most important offensive players.

When will A.J. Brown return with Patriots?

A.J. Brown is expected to miss at least four games after the Patriots placed him on injured reserve. That rules him out against the Steelers in Week 2, as well as New England’s next three games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.

The earliest Brown can return is Week 6 against the New York Jets, although the latest reporting indicates his high ankle sprain is expected to keep him out for around six weeks. That means the Patriots could potentially be without their star receiver for a significant portion of the early season.

Until Brown returns, the pressure will increase on Maye and the rest of New England’s receiving corps. Players such as Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Romeo Doubs and Demario Douglas will have to take on larger roles as the Patriots try to replace the production and impact Brown was expected to provide.

For New England, Brown’s absence creates an immediate challenge at the start of the season. The Patriots will have to find ways to keep the offense productive without their top offseason addition, while Brown works his way back from the ankle injury with a potential Week 6 return now on the calendar.

The Steelers receiver appeared on the injury report Wednesday as a limited participant before missing practice Thursday and Friday. Pittsburgh ultimately decided not to risk putting him on the field, leaving Aaron Rodgers without one of the team’s most important offensive weapons against New England.

Pittman’s absence is particularly significant because he made an immediate impact in his Steelers debut against the Atlanta Falcons, catching all three of his targets for 58 yards. His presence was expected to give Pittsburgh a reliable No. 2 receiver alongside DK Metcalf and prevent defenses from focusing too heavily on the team’s top target.

Who is Steelers WR2?

Michael Pittman’s absence could bring back some bad memories from 2025, when Pittsburgh struggled at times to find enough reliable production behind its top wide receiver. Without Pittman available, the Patriots can devote more attention to Metcalf, potentially creating more double-coverage situations for Pittsburgh’s primary weapon.

That puts additional responsibility on Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard. Wilson already saw six targets in the season opener, while Bernard played only three offensive snaps against Atlanta. The second-round pick is now expected to see a much larger role, giving Rodgers another young receiver who will need to step up against New England.

The tight ends could also become particularly important. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington give Rodgers two additional options who can work underneath and over the middle, potentially helping Pittsburgh counter extra attention on Metcalf while taking some pressure off Wilson and Bernard. Pittsburgh could also lean more heavily on multiple-tight-end formations with Pittman unavailable.

For the Steelers, the challenge will be finding enough ways to keep the passing game balanced without their No. 2 receiver. Pittman’s absence could force Metcalf to deal with more defensive attention, while Wilson, Bernard, Freiermuth and Washington could all have bigger roles as Pittsburgh looks to keep Rodgers’ offense productive against the Patriots.

Pittman had been listed as questionable after being limited in Wednesday’s practice before missing Thursday and Friday. The Steelers ultimately decided not to risk putting him on the field, making his absence official less than 24 hours before kickoff.

The timing is notable because Pittman made an immediate impact in his Steelers debut against the Atlanta Falcons. He caught all three of his targets for 58 yards, including two explosive receptions, and now Pittsburgh will have to adjust its receiver rotation against New England.

Steelers WR depth chart for game vs. Patriots

With Pittman unavailable, DK Metcalf remains the Steelers’ No. 1 wide receiver and should be one of the central pieces of the passing game. Metcalf saw 10 targets against Atlanta despite finishing with four catches for 40 yards, so Pittman’s absence could create another opportunity for Rodgers to lean heavily on him.

Roman Wilson is also expected to have an important role after putting together a solid performance against the Falcons. The young receiver was ahead of Germie Bernard in Pittsburgh’s receiver rotation entering the season, while Bernard had only three offensive snaps in his NFL debut.

Bernard could nevertheless become one of the most interesting players to watch against the Patriots. The rookie was listed behind Pittman on Pittsburgh’s depth chart, meaning his role could increase significantly with the veteran sidelined. The Steelers can also lean more heavily on their tight ends, but replacing Pittman’s presence on the outside will require contributions from the younger receivers.

Pittman’s absence is therefore a significant change for Pittsburgh heading into its second game of the season. The Steelers acquired him during the offseason to complement Metcalf, and his efficient debut showed what he could bring to the offense. Now, Metcalf, Wilson and Bernard will have to help fill the void against New England.

“I think there [were] plays out there to be made,” Maye said on WEEI. “I think we had plays in the run game, plays in the passing game, where we had opportunities to make big plays. And in this league, we feel last week, the way we approached it, was a good plan.

“We were ahead on the score, and then … [in] the fourth quarter, still had a chance to win the game and send it to overtime at the worst. I’ve got to be better, and I will be better going forward.”

The NFL offers a quick chance to bounce back, and that’s something Maye is well aware of: “We’re on to Pittsburgh. We’ve got another week, another chance in this league, and that’s dealing with the ups and downs in this league. That’s part of it — playing the National Football League.”

Areas for improvement for Maye

Drake Maye clearly demonstrated his ceiling during the 10-13 loss in Seattle, completing 23 of 33 passes (69.7%) for 178 yards and a touchdown, while adding 47 rushing yards on 7 carries. However, the performance underscored critical areas requiring immediate refinement.

After an efficient opening three quarters, his execution faltered in the fourth, where he took 3 sacks and threw 3 interceptions that severely dragged his passer rating down to 54.9. Moving forward, his main focus must be improving decision-making under heavy pressure, avoiding forced throws late in games, and accelerating his pre- and post-snap reads to navigate tight pockets faster.

While his arm talent and dual-threat mobility are unquestionable, sharpening his situational awareness and ball security will be essential to converting late-game potential into victories.

Time to bounce back in New England

Maye wants to elevate his game and improve on his performance. The problem is that his next opponent has one of the AFC’s most formidable defenses, so getting the job done at Gillette Stadium will be far from easy. These are the Patriots’ upcoming games as they look to turn their season around.

• vs Pittsburgh Steelers, September 20
• at Jacksonville Jaguars, September 27
• at Buffalo Bills, October 4
• vs Las Vegas Raiders, October 11

The move comes just one day after Brown’s Patriots debut was cut short by the ankle injury. The veteran receiver caught three passes for 26 yards before leaving Wednesday’s 13-10 loss to Seattle, leaving Drake Maye and the New England offense without their biggest receiving weapon for the remainder of the game.

Adam Schefter was first to report the Patriots’ decision, providing further clarity on what had already emerged as a significant setback for Mike Vrabel’s team. Brown’s placement on IR means the Patriots cannot simply wait and see whether he is ready from week to week; he will be unavailable for a minimum of four games.

A.J. Brown will miss at least four games for Patriots

Schefter’s update was definitive about the next step for Brown and New England, with the Patriots choosing to place their new WR1 on injured reserve rather than keep him on the active roster while he recovers. “Sources: Patriots are placing wide receiver AJ Brown on injured reserve due to his high ankle sprain, sidelining him for a minimum of four games.”

The decision means Brown will miss New England’s upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. Because an IR stint requires him to miss at least four games, Week 6 against the New York Jets is now the earliest possible opportunity for Brown to return to the field.

That is a significant blow for a Patriots offense that entered the season expecting Brown to be Drake Maye’s premier receiving weapon. New England already moved on from Stefon Diggs during the offseason, and Brown’s sudden absence leaves the team with a much thinner wide receiver group. Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins and other receivers will now be asked to absorb a much larger workload while Brown begins his recovery.

The timing could hardly be worse for New England. Brown was making his Patriots debut after arriving from Philadelphia and immediately established himself as Drake Maye’s top receiving weapon, catching three passes for 26 yards before leaving the game. He also drew a 34-yard pass interference penalty that helped set up the Patriots’ opening touchdown.

Now, the Patriots must navigate a difficult stretch without their new No. 1 receiver. Ian Rapoport delivered the update, confirming that Brown is facing an extended absence after suffering the high ankle sprain when his right ankle was caught underneath him during the loss to Seattle.

When could A.J. Brown return for the New England Patriots?

Rapoport’s exact update was clear about the initial timeline: “He had an MRI to confirm the initial diagnosis which is a high ankle sprain. A.J. Brown is expected to be out at least four weeks.”

Based on that timetable, Brown is expected to miss at least the Patriots’ next four games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. New England’s official schedule has those matchups in Weeks 2 through 5, meaning Week 6 against the New York Jets on October 18 could emerge as a potential target for Brown’s return if his recovery progresses as hoped.

The problem for New England is that Brown’s absence comes after the team already moved on from Stefon Diggs, leaving a significantly thinner wide receiver room at the worst possible time. Romeo Doubs is now positioned to take on a much larger role, while DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams could also see increased opportunities. For an offense that struggled late against Seattle, replacing Brown’s production will be one of Mike Vrabel’s biggest challenges over the next month.

Brown’s injury came early in the third quarter of his Patriots debut. The wide receiver was targeted by Drake Maye on a low pass when Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett’s knee landed on Brown’s right ankle, causing it to twist awkwardly. Brown received medical attention before heading to the locker room for further evaluation.

There was initially plenty of concern surrounding the injury, particularly because Brown had just arrived in New England as one of the team’s biggest offseason additions. However, the Patriots received an encouraging update after the game, with early testing ruling out a fracture and providing at least some relief about the worst-case scenario.

What is A.J. Brown’s latest injury update?

A.J. Brown is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. X-rays were negative for a fracture, which is an important positive development for the Patriots, although the severity of the sprain and Brown’s eventual recovery timeline will not be known until he undergoes an MRI.

“Patriots WR AJ Brown, who left last night’s opener because of an injury, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain. X-Rays were negative for a fracture. Brown has an MRI today to determine how much time he’ll miss.”

The initial news is therefore considerably better than what New England might have feared when Brown was unable to continue against Seattle. He was having an active debut before the injury, recording three receptions for 26 yards and drawing a 34-yard pass interference penalty that helped set up the Patriots’ opening touchdown.

Still, the MRI will be critical for determining whether Brown can return quickly or whether the Patriots will have to prepare to play without their new No. 1 receiver for multiple games. High-ankle sprains can require more recovery time than standard ankle sprains, making the upcoming evaluation particularly important for Mike Vrabel and the Patriots.

Brown was also seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot on his right foot after the game, adding another reason for the Patriots to be cautious with their star receiver.

For New England, the timing could hardly be worse. Brown was brought in to give Maye another elite weapon and help take the Patriots’ offense to another level in 2026. After losing their season opener to Seattle, the Patriots now have to wait for the MRI results before knowing how significant the setback will be. The good news is that there was no fracture, but Brown’s MRI will ultimately determine how much time he could miss.

Brown suffered an ankle injury in a catch attempt against Seattle cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett. Without Brown, the Patriots must look at the rest of their wide receiver room for help against an elite defense. “Brown has now been ruled out for the remainder of tonight’s game.,” the Patriots announced.

With Brown sidelined, the Patriots will be turning to DeMario Douglas, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams. Those are all their active options to finish Week 1’s visit to the Seahawks. New England is already missing TreVeyon Henderson for Week 1, so Brown’s setback adds another dramatic layer to an already injury-riddled offense.

A.J. Brown’s numbers in Patriots debut

Needless to say, Brown didn’t have the debut he expected with the Patriots. Until he left the game with an ankle injury, Brown caught only three passes (out of four targets) for 26 yards.

Still, because the Super Bowl LX rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots was quite uneventful, Brown led his team in receiving yards while he was on the gridiron at Lumen Field. His production was nothing to write home about, though. In fact, it raised eyebrows.

For the second straight season, even on a completely different team and in a different system, Brown was practically MIA. Last year, Brown caught only one pass for eight yards in Week 1. These slow starts to the year may be becoming a common theme, and a worrisome one at that.

Brown’s contract

Brown carries a $7.04 million cap hit in the 2026 NFL season. His contract, which runs through 2030, will see its cap hit steadily rise to $10.9 million in 2027, $17.8 million in 2028, $23.6 million in 2029 and $53.5 million in 2030.

Because Brown signed the deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s expected that he and the Patriots will sit down at some point and negotiate a contract restructure. If Brown’s injury turns out to be serious, it could change everything, though.

Seahawks backup quarterback Lock was next in the quarterback depth chart of the Seattle Seahawks and took over the main duties. Though Darnold was ruled out of the game with a hip injury following a hit from a Patriots‘ defensive lineman, there may be no reason to panic in the Emerald City.

“With Sam [Darnold], we got some great news back. Let’s just say it’s good news right now,” Macdonald said about the injured quarterback who left the season opener after the opening offensive drive.

“Sam Darnold received positive news following his CT scan and coach Mike Macdonald said doctors ruled out a fracture. He’ll have an MRI tomorrow for more info, but the belief after an X-Ray and CT scan is Darnold avoided major injury,” Ian Rapoport reported. “MRI will be the final word.“

Injuries were major topic in NFL’s curtain raiser

In his first start of the 2026 NFL season, Darnold only managed to throw two pass attempts, completing one for a 13-yard gain to star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Now, his status going forward remains uncertain, but it seems disaster has been averted.

The Patriots may not be able to say the same about A.J. Brown, who left the game with an ankle injury. The Seahawks were already without Zach Charbonnet in Week 1 against the Patriots and to start the new season, losing their star QB would rub salt in their wounds.

Seahawks face QB trouble in depth chart

Against the Patriots, Jalen Milroe served as the Seahawks’ third and emergency quarterback. The second-year quarterback out of Alamaba has yet to throw a pass in his NFL career. Because he was the emergency QB, Milroe could only enter the game if Lock suffered an injury.

Early signs suggest otherwise, but if Darnold’s injury still, somehow, turns out to be serious, Mike Macdonald and company will have to go shopping early for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL season. Even if they trust Lock, the Seahawks will need depth options.

Darnold injury could derail the season

Injuries happen and affect every team across the 18-week NFL season. However, losing the starting quarterback on the opening drive of Week 1 is unlike anything anyone could have seen coming.

As if Seattle didn’t know that going back-to-back in the league is a hard task, it was reminded right away. Just as the Super Bowl championship banner went up, the franchise quarterback went down injured. The champions put their pedigree to good use, though. They weathered the storm, came away with a crucial Week 1 victory, and may have dodged a major bullet with Darnold’s health.

Henderson is sidelined because of an ankle injury that has kept him from practicing throughout the week. The second-year running back suffered the injury during practice on August 24 and was unable to recover in time for the Patriots’ trip to Seattle for the opening game of the season.

The absence is particularly significant because Henderson was an important part of New England’s offensive depth chart after an impressive rookie season. He finished 2025 with 911 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 221 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air. Without him, the Patriots will have to lean more heavily on their remaining running backs against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Why is TreVeyon Henderson not playing for New England Patriots against Seattle Seahawks?

TreVeyon Henderson is not playing today because of his ankle injury, which has officially ruled him out for the Patriots’ season opener against Seattle. He missed all three practices during the week and was ultimately listed as out, meaning New England will have to adjust its offensive game plan without one of its most explosive weapons.

Henderson’s absence is a major blow to the Patriots’ depth at running back. Although he was not necessarily expected to handle every offensive snap, his combination of speed, explosiveness and receiving ability gave New England another dynamic option alongside its veteran backfield. His production as a rookie made him an important part of the Patriots’ plans entering 2026.

The timing also makes the injury particularly frustrating for Henderson and the Patriots. New England is opening the season against the same Seattle team that defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, and Henderson played in that championship game. Now, instead of helping Drake Maye and the Patriots seek revenge, he will have to watch from the sideline while recovering from his ankle injury.

Who is starting RB for Patriots vs Seahawks?

Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to be the Patriots’ starting running back against the Seahawks and should receive a significantly larger workload with Henderson unavailable. Stevenson remains one of New England’s most experienced offensive players and rushed for 603 yards and nine total touchdowns during the 2025 season.

The Patriots will likely need Stevenson to carry a substantial portion of the rushing workload while also contributing in the passing game. His experience makes him the natural player to take over as the lead back, although Corey Kiner could also see opportunities.

For New England, replacing Henderson’s production will be one of the biggest challenges against Seattle. The Patriots are trying to begin the 2026 season with a statement victory in a Super Bowl rematch, but they will have to do it without one of their most promising young offensive players. With Henderson sidelined, more responsibility falls on Stevenson to lead the Patriots’ ground attack.

Walker was one of the most important players in Seattle’s championship campaign and ultimately earned Super Bowl LX MVP honors after helping the Seahawks defeat the Patriots. However, after becoming a free agent during the offseason, Seattle decided not to give him the contract he was looking for, bringing an end to his time with the franchise.

Instead of returning to Seattle to defend the championship, Walker signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. His departure became one of the biggest changes to the Seahawks’ roster after their Super Bowl victory, with Seattle now entering the season without the player who was named the game’s MVP.

Why is Kenneth Walker III not playing for Seattle Seahawks vs Patriots?

Kenneth Walker III is not playing in Seahawks vs Patriots because he is no longer a member of Seattle’s roster. After becoming a free agent, Walker signed a three-year, $43 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him a new home and a major role in Patrick Mahomes’ offense. The move means Walker will begin the 2026 season with Kansas City rather than returning to Seattle for the Super Bowl rematch.

The decision represented a major change for both Walker and the Seahawks. Seattle chose not to make the financial commitment necessary to keep its star running back, while Kansas City made him a central part of its effort to return to the Super Bowl. Walker now has the opportunity to play alongside Mahomes after proving during the 2025 season that he can perform at the highest level on the biggest stage.

Who is starting RB for Seattle Seahawks?

For Seattle, his departure creates a major void in the backfield. The Seahawks have had to reshape their running back room, with rookie Jadarian Price expected to take on a significant role while Zach Charbonnet remains unavailable because of his ACL injury. That makes Walker’s absence even more noticeable as Seattle begins its championship defense against the very team it defeated in Super Bowl LX.

Walker, meanwhile, has already turned the page. The Chiefs view him as an important piece of their offense and hope his explosiveness can help Mahomes lead Kansas City back to the Super Bowl in 2026. After winning the championship with Seattle, Walker now has a different challenge: helping the Chiefs reclaim the Lombardi Trophy while pursuing a second Super Bowl ring.