Patriots' A.J. Brown expected to travel with team to Munich

As the New England Patriots prepare for their international showdown and face off with another NFC North contender in consecutive weeks, the Detroit Lions, there appears to be growing optimism that A.J. Brown's return may not be far away. 

Travel plans offer latest hint on A.J. Brown's recovery

Tom Pelissero reported via the Nov. 7 edition of his newsletter, The Sweep, that the Patriots believe Brown could be back in the lineup shortly after the team's Week 11 bye.

“Playing two games in five days may have triggered the latest episode, but New England is optimistic he’ll be back sooner rather than later, perhaps after the Week 11 bye," Pelissero reported. 

There is still some uncertainty surrounding Brown's status, but ESPN's Mike Reiss reported that New England's working plan is for the veteran receiver to travel to Germany despite no official decision having been made.

Patriots offense awaiting reinforcements

The highs and lows of Drake Maye's performance were on full display against the Green Bay Packers, as he passed for 299 yards and three touchdowns but also committed three first-half turnovers through the air.

Brown missed Sunday’s 45-27 loss to the Packers. It marked his sixth absence through nine games this season.

Demario "Pop" Douglas had his second career 100-yard receiving game, with a team-high five catches for 102 yards. 

"I mean, I think that that's the plan. There's no decision on that, but I would imagine that that's the plan and try to work to continue to get guys back that can get back and be healthy and help the football team," Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said when asked about Brown's availability, via Mark Daniels of MassLive. "That's the goal ... but I know that's the plan is to try to get everybody that can help us to get on the plane on Wednesday and go over there and help us win."