Drake Maye Makes Feelings Clear on AJ Brown's Patriots Return

Much attention was paid to the New England Patriots' huge offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire wide receiver AJ Brown, giving Drake Maye an explosive member of the receiver corps to throw to.

Unfortunately, fans only got a brief preview of that combination, as Brown suffered an ankle injury in the team's season-opening game, a rematch against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. With Brown sidelined since exiting the third quarter of that loss, Maye has still found ways to win.

Still, having Brown back on the field could further add to the Patriots' hopes of another successful season and playoff run. On Wednesday, he returned to the team's practice as a limited participant, and Maye expressed his thoughts on seeing him back.

"I think it's awesome. It's always a warm welcome huddle to have him back in there. So, looking forward to seeing him progress," Maye told reporters on Wednesday. "I think it's always great seeing him out there, and I think you'd have to ask him on how he felt, but I think it's good to see him back out there; that's for sure."

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Maye explained that having Brown in the locker room has been a refreshing boost, and also gave the Pro Bowl receiver high praise for what he brings to the Patriots' offense.

"I think you know what he can add... It's not like we haven't seen him; he's been a player in the league. There's not many like him that are around in this league," he said. "I'll just try and do my part to get him some chances and keep on spreading the ball around for guys that are open ... Looking forward to keeping that rolling and adding in another piece when he feels like he's ready to get out there."

Maye has effectively spread the ball around to the Patriots' array of receivers, with Romeo Doubs leading the team with 23 targets. Doubs has 13 receptions for 219 yards and two touchdowns, with Mack Hollins right behind him at 209 yards on 15 receptions and 20 targets.

Demario Douglas also has two touchdowns, with Maye attempting to throw to him 22 times. Douglas has 137 yards on 13 receptions this season.

The news of Brown returning to practice, albeit as a limited participant, gives optimism that the star wide receiver will be available to come off injured reserve and play in the next three weeks.

The Patriots face the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 18, followed by a "Thursday Night Football" clash with the Bears in Chicago on Oct. 22, and a trip to face the winless Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 1.

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