Overview
- Coach Mike Vrabel said Monday there is a chance Brown will begin practicing this week but added the team will evaluate how his ankle responds before making any activation decision.
- Brown suffered a right high-ankle sprain in the season opener on Sept. 9 and was placed on injured reserve, triggering a four-game minimum absence that makes Oct. 18 the earliest possible return date.
- Reporters and team observers have noted encouraging rehab signs, including Brown walking without an obvious limp and pushing hard in his recovery, though practice clearance is required for game availability.
- New England’s offense has improved during Brown’s absence, highlighted by Drake Maye’s big performance in the Week 5 win over the Raiders, but the receiving group is thinner after Mack Hollins was also placed on IR.
- Brown was a blockbuster offseason acquisition who cost a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, and his return would add a proven No. 1 target while the team waits for medical clearance and practice evaluation.