A.J. Brown’s 2026 receiving touchdown outlook centers on his transition to the Patriots offense after an offseason trade from the Eagles and a high-ankle sprain suffered in New England’s Week 1 loss to the Seahawks. The 29-year-old exited after three receptions for 26 yards and is expected to miss at least four weeks, with reports indicating a possible short-term injured reserve stint that could extend his absence to six weeks. Brown has posted seven or more touchdowns in each of the prior three seasons while commanding consistent target shares above 23 percent, and he projects as the clear No. 1 option opposite Drake Maye. The early absence limits his opportunities across the 17-game schedule, though his established red-zone efficiency and the Patriots’ passing volume provide a pathway to double-digit scores if he returns close to full strength by midseason.