Patriots Steelers
Patriots Steelers
When the Pittsburgh Steelers turn the page on the Atlanta Falcons and towards the New England Patriots, they’ll wonder if the Patriots will have their star receiver available for it.
In Wednesday night’s season opener, top wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a second half ankle injury that leaves his status in question. Brown rolled his ankle in the third quarter and immediately clutched it. He stayed seated on the field for several moments before limping to the sidelines and soon after, the locker room.
A.J. Brown injured on this play. Stayed down. #NFL pic.twitter.com/faSnzLwqES
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 10, 2026
Brown was initially ruled questionable and per NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark, went to the locker room for X-Rays. At the start of the fourth quarter, he was downgraded to Out.
Speaking to reporters postgame, head coach Mike Vrabel said he didn’t have further update on Brown’s status. Reporter Andrew Callahan spotted Brown wearing a walking boot on his right foot in the locker room.
A.J. Brown just walked out of the #Patriots locker room wearing a boot on his right foot. He left with an ankle injury and did not return.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 10, 2026
Before exiting, Brown caught three passes for 26 yards as both offenses struggled to generate explosive plays. Brown was New England’s biggest addition of the offseason, acquired in a long-rumored trade in June. New England gave up a 2028 first round pick and 2027 fifth-round selection. For all his talent, Brown wore out his welcome in Philadelphia and despite his denials, had a seemingly rocky relationship with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Trading for Brown gave the Patriots a clear No. 1 receiver. Along with free agent signing Romeo Doubs, New England had a pair of strong passing game weapons. Now, Brown’s status for the Steelers game is in question. Demario “Pop” Douglas and Mack Hollins are among other notable wide receivers with Hunter Henry the team’s top tight end. Rookie TE Eli Raridon caught a touchdown for the league’s first points of the year.
Brown has an impressive track record against the Steelers. In three career games, he’s tallied 20 receptions for 419 yards and five touchdowns. In 2024, he finished with an 8/110/1 line in a 27-13 Eagles win.
New England’s offense struggled throughout Wednesday’s game. Quarterback Drake Maye, who just eight interceptions all of last year, tossed three of them in a 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That included a terrible end zone decision in the final seconds to prevent a game-tying field goal.
The good news for Brown and the Patriots have 10 days rest. With a Wednesday game, New England has a long layover until the Sunday, Sept. 20’s matchup against the Steelers. It will also be the Patriots’ home opener.
If Brown still can’t make it by then, the Steelers will enter the game with one less stud player to worry about in their bid to beat the Patriots in their venue for the second-straight season.