NFL: New England Patriots OTA
Jun 2, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) speaks at a press conference after practice at the team's OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The New England Patriots kicked off the 2026-27 NFL regular season with an epic collapse, including an AJ Brown injury and three second-half interceptions from Drake Maye. Ultimately, the Patriots fell to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, 13-10.
Seattle used a strong defensive effort to spark the comeback, which was led by backup quarterback Drew Lock, who entered the game after starting signal-caller Sam Darnold was injured on the sixth play of the game.
For Maye, it was a disastrous performance, as he fell apart after Brown was sent to the locker room with his lower-leg injury when Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett landed awkardly on his leg following an errant pass from Maye.
Following the game, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was unable to provide any updates on Brown’s injury.
WATCH: Sam Darnold injury video shows moment Seahawks’ season may be altered
Latest on AJ Brown’s Lower-Leg Injury
AJ Brown –
Potentially a double whammy.
Concern for Right high ankle sprain but also Right PCL sprain as his knee slams into the turf.
Typically wouldn’t add this part too, but given the angle/torque of his ankle I really hope his fibula didn’t fracture. Probably not though. pic.twitter.com/zeEp989spO
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 10, 2026
“I don’t have any update yet,” Vrabel said during his post-game press conference. “Wasn’t able to return, obviously.”
Prior to his injury, Brown hauled in three catches on four targets for 26 yards.
The Patriots will be hopeful that Brown avoided any disastrous setback after his high-profile signing during the offseason, while the team’s faithful fans will be holding their collective breath.