Overview
- The Patriots designated A.J. Brown to return from injured reserve and he took part in a limited practice on Wednesday, Oct. 14, working light drills with his right ankle taped.
- Opening the practice window gives New England up to 21 days to decide whether to add Brown back to the 53-man roster or keep him on season-ending IR.
- Brown injured a high-ankle sprain in the season opener and initial medical timelines suggested about six weeks, but reports say he has pushed to accelerate his rehab.
- New England has gone 3-1 and produced strong offensive performances without Brown, including a 45-17 win in Week 5, which reduces pressure to rush him back while Mack Hollins remains on IR.
- The team will judge Brown’s game readiness over the coming practices and make an activation decision before the Patriots’ next games, with the short week after Week 6 factored into timing choices.