New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown’s first game with the team ended early after he suffered a right ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday night. Brown was ruled questionable to return but never made it back onto the field, and the latest update after the game has added another concern.
A.J. Brown Injury Update: WR Seen Wearing Boot
Brown was seen leaving the Patriots locker room wearing a boot on his right foot, according to a postgame report by Andrew Callahan of Boston Herald. Head coach Mike Vrabel said he had no update on Brown’s ankle injury after New England’s 13-10 loss to Seattle.
A.J. Brown suffered an ankle injury and left the #Patriots locker room in a walking boot on his right foot. Here’s all we know: https://t.co/yg38k80kAK pic.twitter.com/FMJmDyY6js
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 10, 2026
Physical therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy Jeff Mueller said on X that Brown could potentially have a right high ankle sprain and PCL sprain, while also raising concern about a possible fibula fracture because of the ankle’s angle and torque. However, these are only early observations, not a confirmed diagnosis.
AJ Brown –
Potentially a double whammy.
Concern for Right high ankle sprain but also Right PCL sprain as his knee slams into the turf.Typically wouldn’t add this part too, but given the angle/torque of his ankle I really hope his fibula didn’t fracture. Probably not though. pic.twitter.com/zeEp989spO
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 10, 2026
Brown suffered the injury on New England’s opening possession of the second half. Drake Maye targeted him on third down, but Seahawks nickel cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett deflected the pass. As Brown went to the ground, Pritchett’s knee landed on the outside of his right ankle, causing it to twist inward.
Brown came off the field and removed his right cleat before entering the blue medical tent on the Patriots’ sideline. New England initially listed him as questionable to return, but he did not see the field again.
The latest development came after the game, with Brown reportedly seen walking out of the locker room in a boot on his right foot. There has been no confirmed diagnosis or timeline for his return.
What Happened to A.J. Brown in Seahawks vs Patriots Game?
The injury came after Brown had made a positive start to his Patriots debut.
Acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade in early June, Brown caught three passes for 26 yards in the first half, leading the Patriots in receiving at the break.
A.J. Brown walked off the field with a limp after grabbing at his leg on this play.
(📺 NBC) pic.twitter.com/cqHSUo47RP
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 10, 2026
His absence was felt as New England tried to protect its 10-0 advantage. The Patriots eventually surrendered the lead, with Seattle completing a comeback to win the season opener 13-10.
Patriots Lose to Seahawks
The Seahawks erased New England’s 10-point lead before Josh Jobe delivered the decisive moment late in the fourth quarter.
With 21 seconds left, Jobe intercepted Maye in the end zone to seal Seattle’s comeback. Maye finished with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, while the Seahawks picked him off on New England’s final three possessions.
For Brown, the immediate concern is the ankle injury. The boot suggests the issue will need further assessment, but the Patriots have yet to announce the severity of the injury or how long he could be sidelined.
