A.J. Brown's health continues to be a major storyline for the New England Patriots, and Thursday's practice brought a concerning turn.
According to reporters on the scene, Brown was not spotted at practice or during the open locker room portion of the day. The wide receiver was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report with ankle and knee injuries, so being a non-participant on Thursday would certainly be a notable downgrade. The Patriots' official injury report will be released later Thursday.
UPDATE: Brown was indeed listed as a DNP (did not practice) on Thursday's injury report due to ankle and knee injuries.
The ankle injury is nothing new, as that remains connected to the high-ankle sprain that cost Brown four games. The knee injury was a new listing on Wednesday, though. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday that the knee issue "has flared up" and that Brown's "status for Sunday is up in the air."
The 29-year-old Brown has dealt with a recurring knee issue throughout his career. It's unclear as of Thursday afternoon if this is the same knee and same issue that's plagued him in the past.
Brown has struggled in two games since returning from the high-ankle sprain, recording six receptions on 16 targets for 75 yards and no touchdowns. The Patriots traded a 2028 first-round pick and 2027 fifth-round pick to get Brown from the Eagles this offseason.
If Brown were to miss Sunday afternoon's game in Miami, the Patriots would be left with just DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism and Kyle Williams as healthy wide receivers. Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins remain on injured reserve. New England has four wide receivers on its practice squad (Chandler Brayboy, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, Ryan Miller) and could elevate one or two to the active roster.
