This is certainly not the way the New England Patriots wanted to start the season — with an injury to superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Brown went down with an injury early in the 3rd quarter of Wednesday night’s regular-season opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in his 1st game with the Patriots since a blockbuster trade from the Philadelphia Eagles on June 1 in exchange for a 2028 1st-round pick.
Brown was eventually ruled out after undergoing medical testing — 1st in the blue sideline tent, then in the locker room.
“Patriots WR AJ Brown has been ruled out for tonight’s game due to his ankle injury,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Wednesday night.
It was the 2nd major injury of the night after Seahawks starting quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury just 5 plays into the 1st quarter and was ruled out.
Brown played for the Eagles from 2022 to 2025, where he was a 3-time NFL All-Pro, played in 2 Super Bowls — winning 1 — and had 4 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Brown had 3 receptions for 26 yards when he suffered his injury.
Immediate Concern Over High Ankle Sprain
Early concerns — and a slowed-down look at the injury — were mostly centered on the possibility Brown may have suffered a high ankle sprain.
“AJ Brown concern for right high ankle eversion sprain,” Dr. David Chao wrote on his official X account. “Hard to continue effectively.”
Brown was taken from the blue medical tent to the locker room following an initial series of tests — and was walking with a pronounced limp.
A.J. Brown Forced Way Out of Philadelphia
Brown forced his way out of Philadelphia after several seasons of discontent — including the Super Bowl-winning season — over his role in the offense and a disintegrating relationship with starting quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts.
“Finally! The Eagles have agreed to trade three-time Pro Bowl WR A.J. Brown to the Patriots, who will send a 2028 1st-round pick and 2027 5th-round pick to Philadelphia,” Netflix and The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero wrote on his official X account on June 1. “After months of speculation, it’s about to be official: A.J. Brown is a Patriot.”
Ex-Eagles All-Pro A.J. Brown Ruled Out After Injury in Season Opener