The Patriots will be without A.J. Brown for a while.
The star receiver is expected to be placed on injured serve with the high-ankle sprain he suffered in the 13-10 season-opening loss to the Seahawks on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
He would miss at least four games, putting him out through at least Week 5 as he recovers.
Brown was injured at the beginning of the third quarter when a low throw by quarterback Drake Maye forced the star receiver to dive to the ground in an attempt to make the grab.
The former Eagles star was rolled up on by the defensive back on the play.
Brown remained grounded for an extended period of time before being helped off the field by trainers and eventually limped to the locker room.
An MRI revealed a moderate high-ankle sprain for Brown, with recovery times ranging from four to six weeks and possibly longer.
He tallied three catches for 26 yards in his Patriots debut, although he drew a long pass interference that set up the only New England touchdown.
Brown was traded by the Eagles to the Patriots this offseason after he appeared disgruntled for the better part of two seasons in Philadelphia.
He is reunited with former Titans coach Mike Vrabel in New England and hopes to have a massive season while catching passes from Maye.
Maye, among the NFL’s best deep-ball throwers last season, had a nightmare opener, throwing three interceptions and tossingthe game away against Seattle.
The third-year quarterback figures to be in a tough spot offensively, given explosive running back Treyveon Henderson is also nursing an injury.
Starter Rhamondre Stevenson averaged just 2.8 yards per carr (YPC)y in Week 1 while Henderson was among the best in the league in YPC, averaging 5.1 YPC last season.
Expect the Patriots to roll out receivers Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins, and either speedster Kyle Williams or Demario Douglas as the third receiver.
New England hosts the Steelers in its home opener in Week 2.
