Wide receiver A.J. Brown is ready to rejoin the New England Patriots’ active 53-man roster and is expected to play this Sunday against the New York Jets. The three-time Pro Bowler was placed on Injured Reserve after spraining his right high ankle in the third quarter of the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL World Thrilled As A.J. Brown Expected to Return Before Jets Game
After sitting out the mandatory four games from Week 2 to Week 5, Brown has fulfilled the NFL’s IR requirements and is ready to return, per reports. Ian Rapoport tweeted, “The Patriots will likely activate WR AJ Brown off Injured Reserve to play against the Jets on Sunday, sources say. Brown returned to practice this week after a stint on IR with a high-ankle sprain and now an anticipated return to the field.”
Brown’s impending return has brought high energy across the NFL.
“A boost for the Patriots,” NFL insider Adam Schefter reposted.
A boost for the Patriots: https://t.co/apg54O7F6H
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2026
“A big boost for the Patriots offense,” ESPN’s NFL draft analyst Field Yates reacted.
A big boost for the Patriots offense
https://t.co/457LaQ9em4
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 17, 2026
“He’s back,” reporter Mike Kadlick wrote.
He’s back. https://t.co/ysbgFKr7Ve
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) October 17, 2026
“Big news for Drake Maye and the Patriots,” Patriots reporter Mark Daniels wrote on X.
Big news for Drake Maye and the Patriots https://t.co/V883yn8VLg
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 17, 2026
“Limited all week, now coming off IR. How many targets does Brown get in game one back, 5 or 10?” another fan commented.
Limited all week, now coming off IR. How many targets does Brown get in game one back, 5 or 10?
— Jeremy Warren (@devdudejeremy) October 17, 2026
“WR1 Is Back,” one more reacted.
The Patriots’ passing game has looked great lately, with quarterback Drake Maye making good progress over the last two weeks. However, the wide receiver room was lacking flair and stability in Brown’s absence. Activating Brown puts a superstar weapon right back into the lineup next to WR’s Romeo Doubs and Pop Douglas.
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The post ‘Big News for Drake Maye,’ ‘Boost for the Patriots’ – NFL World Rejoices As A.J. Brown Nears Return From IR Ahead of Jets Clash appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.