Vrabel: 'A chance' A.J. Brown practices this week

Key Points:

• Patriots wide receiver Brown suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1 and has been on injured reserve since, with a potential return as early as Week 6, though this is not guaranteed.
• Initial injury timelines suggested 4-6 weeks out, but recent updates indicate Brown is progressing well and could return on the faster side of that range, though he will likely miss at least half the regular season.
• In Brown’s absence, receivers Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and Demario Douglas have taken on larger roles, with Doubs expected to be the primary target and Hollins increasing his snap count significantly.
• Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and teammates remain optimistic about Brown’s recovery, but fantasy managers and analysts advise caution given the injury’s severity and historical recovery challenges with high ankle sprains.
• Brown’s injury occurred during the season opener against Seattle when a defender landed on his leg, leading to immediate pain and his exit from the game; MRI results were positive, but no definitive return timeline has been set.