The practice window has officially opened for A.J. Brown, according to New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
On Wednesday, Vrabel revealed that Brown is returning to practice after missing the previous four weeks due to a high ankle sprain. It's another hurdle in the process of clearing the way for the three-time All-Pro wide receiver's eventual return to the football field.
Whether that happens this week against the New York Jets or another game remains to be seen.
The Patriots are coming up on the shortest week so far in their 2026 schedule. After facing the Jets in Foxborough, they will head on the road for a Thursday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears. One has to wonder if the schedule will factor into the team's decision of when to activate Brown.
With Brown and Mack Hollins out, the Patriots have leaned on Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III as their top receivers. Despite the injuries, the unit has stepped up in a major way to help lead the team to back-to-back wins over the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.
However, getting an elite player like Brown back on the field would be a total game-changer for the entire offense.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel shares major update on Patriots WR A.J. Brown's status