A.J. Brown’s 2026 regular-season reception total hinges primarily on his recovery from a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 1 with the Patriots. After catching 3 passes for 26 yards in his debut before exiting, the 29-year-old was placed on injured reserve and has missed the minimum four games. As of October 12, coach Mike Vrabel indicated a chance Brown could return to practice soon and potentially suit up in Week 6 against the Jets, though earlier timelines extended to six-to-eight weeks. Once healthy, Brown is positioned as the clear No. 1 target for quarterback Drake Maye in New England’s passing attack following his offseason trade from Philadelphia. His prior three seasons with the Eagles produced 78, 67, and 106 receptions despite varying snap counts and injury absences. Remaining schedule factors include a Week 11 bye, road primetime games, and the need for chemistry-building with Maye and the offensive line.