A.J. Brown Reportedly Placed on IR With Ankle Injury, Latest Timeline for Patriots Star's Return

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is headed to injured reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain on Wednesday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter , the Patriots are putting Brown on the IR in a move that will keep him out for at least four games.

Brown was injured early in the third quarter of the Patriots' 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported on Thursday the belief was Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain and he was set to undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the damage.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz , the expectation for Brown was that he would miss three to six weeks.

An IR stint ensures Brown will miss a minimum of four weeks. Typical recovery times for high-ankle sprains vary depending on the severity. A grade 1 sprain can usually heal within one to two weeks, but a grade 2 sprain can take between four to six weeks.

The earliest Brown will be eligible to return is Week 6 when the Patriots face the New York Jets.

Brown's absence is a huge blow to a Patriots offense that didn't have great depth at wide receiver even when with him healthy. He was acquired by New England from the Philadelphia Eagles for two draft picks.

Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas will become the top two wideouts for the time being. Kyle Williams and Mack Hollins, who was the team's leading receiver against the Seahawks with 51 yards, could also see more snaps.

The Patriots' next four games without Brown are against the Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.