After missing practice Thursday and Friday due to a flare-up in his knee, Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown missed his fifth game of the season on Sunday.
His absence from Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins comes just two weeks after he returned from a four-week stint on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.
Brown spoke to reporters Wednesday and acknowledged that he was still working through his recovery from the high ankle sprain he suffered in Week 1, though he noted that his body was “OK.”
The knee issue is new this season, but it’s something the 29-year-old has dealt with in the past. After trading a first- and fifth-round draft pick for the three-time Pro Bowler, Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf acknowledged Brown’s degenerative knee condition to Yahoo Sports.
Is the knee flare-up related to Brown potentially compensating for the ankle injury, or is it a separate issue?
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t provide much insight into Brown’s injury during his weekly appearance on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI (full interview below).
“A.J. wasn’t available yesterday. He didn’t travel with us,” Vrabel said. “So, we’ll see where he is today. I’m looking forward to going over there and seeing him in treatment.”
After making his return on Oct. 18, Brown played two games in a span of five days. Across those two appearances, he played 101 of the 122 available offensive snaps (82.7%). His production was limited, however, as he totaled six receptions on 16 targets for 75 yards.
Did the Patriots mishandle Brown’s return, particularly with the quick turnaround to a Thursday night game just four days after he returned on a Sunday?
“You know, we’ll see where A.J.’s availability is this week,” Vrabel said.
With Brown inactive and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) and Mack Hollins (calf) on injured reserve, the Patriots were left with DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and practice squad elevation Ryan Miller at wide receiver on Sunday. The team also lost Hunter Henry, who entered the game leading the team in receptions (26) and receiving yards (296), to a foot injury early in the second quarter.
Still, quarterback Drake Maye completed 16 of 20 pass attempts for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He added a rushing touchdown, marking his fifth consecutive game with at least three total touchdowns. Maye also extended his streak of games with at least two touchdown passes to five, the longest such streak by a Patriots quarterback since Tom Brady accomplished the feat in 2014.
The Patriots will have their first injury report ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Packers on Wednesday.
