The New England Patriots received an encouraging sign regarding star wide receiver AJ Brown's potential return from injury to play against the New York Jets.
However, his playing status remains uncertain heading into the matchup.
Brown, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in his Week 1 Patriots debut against the Seattle Seahawks, has missed over four weeks. He returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday and again on Thursday.
After Thursday's practice, he shared an update with reporters on his recovery and potential return to play for the team.
"It's still up in the air. Obviously, it's gonna be Coach [Mike] Vrabel's decision to see where I'm at and make the better decision for the long haul, not just temporarily," Brown said.
"I'm just trying to stack things every day. Right now my focus is going into today, just trying to get better and then just see how I feel after. ... today we're in pads, a lot more moving, you know from yesterday when guys weren't really trying to touch me," he explained about the difference in practices.
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Brown's return would significantly shift game preparation for both the Patriots and the Jets. The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed reported that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has plays ready if Brown plays and also a game plan if he's unable to play in Sunday's game.
McDaniels praised the talented receivers available to step up and contribute: Efton Chism III, Romeo Doubs, Kyle Williams, Hunter Henry, DeMario "Pop" Douglas, and rookie Eli Raridon.
"Yes, we have already talked about that, and the guys are studying both ends of the spectrum. And I'd say that's a credit to the guys because you talk about Chiz, Kyle, Romeo, Pop, Eli, Hunter. They all know multiple positions, and that's a great strength of our group in that we have some versatility," he said.
Brown returning to play for the Patriots would be a major boost to New England's offense and give Drake Maye another weapon to throw to. However, the Patriots have plenty of reason to proceed with caution rather than risk aggravating his injury and potentially jeopardizing his availability later in the season.
The New England Patriots and New York Jets kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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