A.J. Brown injury: Patriots WR ruled out with ankle injury

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 09: A.J. Brown #1 of the New England Patriots reacts after being injured in a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter in the game at Lumen Field on September 09, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the biggest acquisitions the New England Patriots made this past offseason was adding wide receiver A.J. Brown, setting up a reunion with his former head coach Mike Vrabel, and pairing him with young quarterback Drake Maye.

But early in the third quarter of Wednesday night's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Brown limped to the locker room after injuring his ankle going to the turf to try and make a catch.

Here is the play in question:

AJ Brown is down and grabbing at his ankle pic.twitter.com/GEaISEhSf2

- Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 10, 2026

Prior to the injury, Brown was New England's leading receiver, with three catches for 26 yards.

Yes, we use the term leading" there somewhat loosely, as this has been a defensive struggle.

Brown was also targeted on a flea-flicker in the first half, and while the pass was underthrown, he drew a defensive pass interference penalty, setting the stage for the first touchdown of the NFL regular season. That was a connection from Maye to rookie tight end Eli Raridon:

Rookie Eli Raridon scores the first TD of the season!

NEvsSEA on NBC/Peacock
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/JaOmzVYHOM

- NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2026

Brown has officially been ruled as questionable to return. According to sideline reporter Melissa Stark, Brown is in the x-ray room at Lumen Field.

Update: Brown has officially been ruled out for the rest of the game:

Update (Thursday): While x-rays were negative, Brown was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury:

#Patriots WR AJ Brown, who left last night's opener because of an injury, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

X-Rays were negative for a fracture. Brown has an MRI today to determine how much time he'll miss. pic.twitter.com/CEeCEqWBFK

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2026

This is a developing story and will be updated.