Patriots' A.J. Brown expected to return in Week 6

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Patriots' A.J. Brown expected to return in Week 6

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 11:03 AM ET

The New England Patriots made one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason when they acquired star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Brown was expected to be a focal point and true No. 1 receiver on a New England team that was coming off a 14-win season that ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.

An injury in Week 1 against Seattle was serious enough to land Brown on the IR where he's been ever since. It seems he is ready to return, though, and it appears a roster move will be made ahead of Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

A.J. Brown is expected to be activated from IR ahead of Week 6

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Brown is likely to be activated from IR and make his return Sunday against the Jets.

The #Patriots will likely activate WR AJ Brown off Injured Reserve to play against the #Jets on Sunday, sources say.

Brown returned to practice this week after a stint on IR with a high-ankle sprain and now an anticipated return to the field. pic.twitter.com/UknZRnrv8T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2026

The return of A.J. Brown will make New England's offense even better

After a slow three-week start, the Patriots offense has turned things on over the past two games. In two wins over the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders, New England averaged 470.5 yards and 37.5 points per game.

That has been without Brown, and his return will only further open up the offense, due to the attention he will draw from defenses around the league.

If he is at 100% health, Brown is still an elite receiver in the NFL, and he will certainly become a top priority for quarterback Drake Maye. Expect the Patriots to continue their winning ways if Maye and Brown find the connection that many thought they would.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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