A.J. Brown was traded to the New England Patriots in June 2026 after four productive seasons with the Eagles, where he posted seven receiving touchdowns in each of his last three full campaigns despite varying game counts. In his Patriots debut against the Seahawks, Brown recorded three receptions for 26 yards and zero scores before exiting with a high ankle sprain. Placed on injured reserve shortly after, he faces a projected absence of at least four to eight weeks, with return eligibility around Week 6 or early November. The injury significantly reduces his opportunities in a Drake Maye-led offense that projects higher passing volume than Philadelphia's recent schemes. High-ankle sprains often limit explosiveness upon return, potentially capping his touchdown output even if he plays most remaining games.