Latest injury updates should mean even bigger role for A.J. Brown in Super Bowl rematch vs. Seahawks

The New England Patriots may target wide receiver A.J. Brown more than they had planned to in Week 1.  

Brown was expected to be a huge part of New England's game plan on Wednesday night on the road against the Seattle Seahawks (NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET). Injuries for both teams will only increase his role. 

How injuries to Patriots and Seahawks impact A.J. Brown's usage in Week 1 

Patriots second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) was listed as out on Tuesday. His absence will slow New England's ground attack. Last season, the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalist led the team in rushing yards (911 on 180 carries) and rushing touchdowns (nine) during the regular season. RB2 Rhamondre Stevenson, meanwhile, scored seven rushing TDs but wasn't nearly as explosive, rushing for 603 yards on 130 carries. 

Losing Henderson will further urge Patriots third-year quarterback Drake Maye to air it out against Seattle's depleted secondary. Seahawks safety Ty Okada (hamstring) has been ruled out, while safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) remains questionable. 

2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist Emmanwori not playing would leave a hole in Seattle's defense, which Brown could exploit. While starring for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, the three-time Pro Bowler tied for 19th in the league in receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,003). The pass-catcher also tied for 15th in touchdown catches (seven). He should produce even better numbers in New England. 

It's no secret Brown's relationship with Eagles QB Jalen Hurts soured during his last two seasons in Philadelphia. Hurts recently admitted they grew apart but didn't explain the rift. 

Some of Hurts' accuracy issues also made Brown less effective. The seventh-year QB completed 64.8 percent of his passes last season (just above league average), the third-lowest mark of his career. That shouldn't be a problem with Maye, who led the league in completion percentage (72 percent) last season. 

This offseason, the Patriots sent a 2028 first- and 2027 fifth-round pick to the Eagles for Brown. The WR should have an excellent chance to show why he was worth that price in Week 1. Circumstances demand an even bigger role for the WR.