The New England Patriots designated wide receiver AJ Brown eligible to return from the injured reserve list this week, allowing him to participate in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1. However, the Patriots haven't officially determined if Brown will play in Sunday's matchup versus the New York Jets or not yet.
Brown told reporters on Thursday that he "feels good," but the decision for him to play on Sunday is ultimately up to coach Mike Vrabel. So, what does Vrabel think about Brown's recovery so far? The coach spoke with reporters on Friday to offer his analysis of how the receiver's looked this week in practice.
"I mean, I think he looks O.K., like everybody, some good plays, some bad plays," Vrabel said. "I try to see where his conditioning level is, and see where he may feel here after practice today." Well, that doesn't sound too promising from the head coach. It seems like his decision may come after Friday's practice, and there's a chance the team will elect to sit Brown out for another game and instead start him on Thursday night versus the Chicago Bears in primetime.
It is a short week for New England, so it would be a lot on Brown to immediately endure two back-to-back games. Quarterback Drake Maye is ecstatic for his receiver to return to the field whenever that may be, he's made that much clear. There's no question that Maye has been struggling this season as he's already thrown seven interceptions this season.
Maye needs a top receiver back on the field to catch passes. In Brown's absence, receivers Romeo Doubs (219 yards) and Mack Hollins (209 yards) have filled in some gaps, but Brown should be able to elevate the receiving production.
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