philadelphia eagles aj brown devonta smith
A.J. Brown’s Patriots Return Remains Uncertain as Mike Vrabel Shares Latest Injury Update 1
Star wide receiver A.J. Brown is eligible to return from IR this week. His return could give the New England Patriots a significant boost to their offense. However, it is unclear whether he’ll be able to return after spending the minimum time on the IR list.
The Patriots’ head coach, Mike Vrabel, possibly expected the question during a recent appearance on The Greg Hill Show on Monday. Yet, he chose to keep mum about a definite timeline on Brown’s return.
What Mike Vrabel Said About A.J. Brown’s Return
Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown (11) reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown (11) reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Brown played only over half a season for his team this season. He got twisted on a tackle and suffered a high ankle sprain during their Week 1 game. Initial estimates called for it to be a six-week injury. But there have been recent hopes that he’d make a little more progress than previously expected. Here’s what Vrabel said about Brown’s return on the show.
“I don’t know whenever he’ll be back, but he should help us. I hope that he’s going to help us. That remains to be seen yet: when he’ll be back. So, we’ll see how he does today and move from there.”
Mike Vrabel on AJ Brown (ankle), via @TheGregHillShow:
"I don’t know whenever he’ll be back, but he should help us. I hope that he’s going to help us. That remains to be seen yet: when he’ll be back. So, we’ll see how he does today and move from there.” pic.twitter.com/M3KT7m1RAl
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) October 12, 2026
Last Wednesday, reports claimed that Brown was inside the Patriots’ locker room. He demonstrated no noticeable limp, despite the high ankle sprain. For many, that was a green light, even if he wasn’t yet eligible to come off IR.
Also, NBC Sports’ Phil Perry implied ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders game that the fact that the Patriots haven’t added a new wide receiver is an encouraging sign. That suggests they are possibly confident that their wide receiver issues are relatively temporary.
Of course, none of those signs offers sufficient proof that Brown will return before the Patriots play the New York Jets next week. However, there are subtle signs that he’s on the right path to recovery.
Besides Brown, Mack Hollins had suffered a calf injury in the week prior and was unable to play. Yet, the Patriots’ supporting cast of wide receivers stepped up to put up a decent win against the Raiders.
Quarterback Drake Maye threw for 374 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win. In all, six different Patriots registered multiple receptions, and four of those receivers had 57 or more yards receiving. Kyle Williams registered 91 yards to lead the team and a touchdown. Also, Pop Douglas managed 2 touchdown catches to lead the way.
Following the win, Vrabel praised his players for being versatile enough to step into the game, block, and make plays. He also hailed the unit for being selfless and cooperative, despite their theoretical roles.
If that unit can keep up that level of unity and excellence, the Patriots could look set for a stronger outing when Brown returns. Still, ensuring that Brown remains fully healthy is more important than the Jets game next week over the long term.