PATRIOTS OPEN AJ BROWN'S PRACTICE WINDOW

New England Patriots have opened wide receiver A.J. Brown's practice window, NFL insider Ari Meirov reported on Wednesday, giving him a chance to return as early as Sunday's match against the New York Jets. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Brown would return to practice, though his availability for that game remains uncertain. The Patriots now have 21 days to activate him to their 53-man roster. Brown has been on injured reserve since suffering a high ankle sprain in New England's season-opening defeat by the Seattle Seahawks.

Brown was hurt in that 13-10 defeat, leaving after catching three passes for 26 yards and drawing a 34-yard pass interference penalty that set up New England's only touchdown. The Patriots acquired him from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, sending Philadelphia a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Wide receiver Mack Hollins has also been on injured reserve with a calf injury during Brown's absence. Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III have taken on larger roles catching passes from quarterback Drake Maye in the meantime.

The Patriots have won their last two matches as their offence has improved, with Maye throwing for 374 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Brown's return would give Maye an established target able to stretch the field and make contested catches. The pair have played only limited minutes together this season, overlapping briefly before Brown's injury in Week One. New England next faces the Jets on Sunday, when Brown could feature for the first time since then.