A.J. Brown is now expected to return for the New England Patriots in Week 6.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday morning that the Patriots will likely activate Brown from injured reserve to play Sunday against the New York Jets.
Brown is still officially listed as questionable, but the latest report represents the strongest indication yet that New England plans to have its veteran receiver back on the field after a four-game absence with a high ankle sprain.
A.J. Brown Expected to Be Activated vs. Jets
The Patriots’ final Week 6 injury report lists Brown as questionable after another limited practice Friday, but the outlook improved Saturday morning.
Rapoport reported that New England is expected to activate Brown from injured reserve in time to face the Jets.
Brown returned to practice Wednesday when New England opened his 21-day activation window. He had been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in the season opener against Seattle.
The Patriots still have to process the roster move officially, but Brown is now trending toward playing rather than sitting.
[fpc_player_card league=”nfl” id=”4047646″ season=”2026″ season_type=”2″]
Patriots Still Need to Make the Move Official
Patriots.com reported Friday that head coach Mike Vrabel expected the team to make a decision on Brown’s status Saturday.
That decision now appears to be leaning strongly toward activation.
New England still must officially move Brown from injured reserve to the 53-man roster before the league’s Saturday transaction deadline. Until that happens, his return is expected rather than formally complete.
Why the Patriots Are Being Careful
Brown has not played since Week 1.
He caught three passes for 26 yards before leaving that game with the ankle injury and has spent the last four weeks rehabbing.
NFL.com noted this week that Brown’s return to practice was one of several positive injury developments for New England, but the Patriots have consistently emphasized that practicing does not automatically mean he is ready to play.
Vrabel’s approach has been straightforward: see how Brown responds to consecutive days of work, then decide whether the ankle is ready for a full game load.
What Brown Would Add to the Patriots Offense
New England’s offense is already playing its best football of the season.
Drake Maye is coming off back-to-back strong performances, and the Patriots have won two straight to improve to 3-2.
Brown would give Maye a proven outside target who can win vertically, make contested catches and force defenses to devote extra attention to the perimeter.
That would be particularly valuable with Mack Hollins already on injured reserve.
Christian Gonzalez Is Cleared to Return
The Patriots also received good news elsewhere on the roster.
Christian Gonzalez does not carry a game designation and is expected to return after missing two games with a shoulder injury.
That gives New England one major reinforcement regardless of what happens with Brown on Saturday.
Will A.J. Brown Play vs. the Jets?
As of Saturday morning, Brown is expected to play.
He remains officially questionable and the Patriots still have to complete the activation from injured reserve, but Rapoport’s report indicates New England is planning to have Brown available against the Jets.
Barring a setback or a change before the roster deadline, Brown is on track to make his return in Week 6.
Want to write, edit, host, or produce with FPC? Join the staff →
Join the conversation
Bring your take to the huddle. Comments are reserved for Full Press Coverage members.
Strong takes rise. Keep it respectful.