A.J. Brown Injury Update, Latest Timeline for Patriots WR's Return From IR Amid 'Positive' Rehab

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown could return from his high-ankle sprain "sooner than later," according to The Ringer's Tom Pelissero .

Pelissero reported Saturday that "Brown continues to progress in his rehab" and "everything seems to be trending in a positive direction."

The three-time Pro Bowler remains on injured reserve. He can return as early as the Patriots' Week 6 matchup with the New York Jets. Per Pelissero, New England hasn't determined whether he will resume practice next week or needs a little more time.

Brown played a total of 31 offensive snaps in a 13-10 Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks before going down.

The passing game has suffered in his absence.

Patriots fans and fantasy football managers alike have been left questioning what happened to the version of Drake Maye who was the MVP runner-up in 2025. He has thrown an NFL-high seven interceptions, and his passing yards per game have fallen from 258.5 to 213.5.

Maye's performance should start to improve once Brown is his No. 1 target instead of Mack Hollins or Romeo Doubs.

His return is unlikely to be a panacea for the third-year quarterback, though. The problems he has shown on the field go beyond just who he's throwing to.

Still, it goes without saying that the offense will be better once Brown is suiting up again.