Patriots Receiver A.J. Brown Misses Training With Knee Issue

New Injury Concern

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown missed his first practice since returning from injured reserve on October 14. This absence happened one day after he appeared on the injury report with a new knee ailment alongside his previous right ankle injury. Sources told Ian Rapoport that Brown had a knee issue flare up, and his availability for Sunday's match against the Miami Dolphins is uncertain.

Slow Return to Form

Before the practice session on Wednesday, Brown spoke to reporters about working through his return from a right high ankle sprain suffered in the season opener. He stated he was not making excuses for his limited output since coming back to play two games in five days. Brown managed 102 snaps across those two games, recording six catches for 75 yards and three dropped passes. He admitted that while he sometimes felt his usual explosion, it was missing at other times and he was pushing through.

Brown explained that none of the struggles mattered because he was on the field and ready to play. Thursday's session involved full shoulder pads, indicating a more physical workout, which may have influenced the decision to keep him on the sidelines. DeMario Pop Douglas led the wide receivers through drills alongside Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III, representing the only three healthy receivers on the 53 man roster.

Building Towards the Best

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke about Brown's integration into the offense before Thursday's practice participation news broke. Brown had been a limited participant in every practice since coming off injured reserve.

McDaniels noted that Brown had played eight quarters in almost two months and managed four practices. He added that the team views this as a process of building toward their best football and that health remains a major part of that goal. McDaniels praised Brown for his positive attitude and hard work to help the team.