A.J. Brown’s status for the 2026 NFL season has been one of the most prevalent topics of discussion throughout the offseason. The star wide receiver and the Philadelphia Eagles had a tumultuous relationship since winning the Super Bowl, and he was linked to trades throughout the offseason, with many believing he’d end up with the New England Patriots.
Eventually, Brown was traded to New England, where he is expected to step in as the number one option in the receiving game for ascending third-year quarterback Drake Maye. However, rumors of a potential knee injury are swirling around Brown as he gets acclimated at the Patriots’ facility.
Mike Vrabel Puts Concerns Over A.J. Brown’s Knee Injury to Rest
As Brown has begun to acclimate during Patriots’ practice sessions, he has been eased in, and the team remains cautious with its newly acquired wide receiver. Some reports have speculated that this is due to a knee injury.
However, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel downplayed those speculations, insisting that the team is happy with where Brown’s at and that its cautious approach is common for a veteran.
“I think a lot of things get fabricated, and people tell stories,” Vrabel said regarding Brown’s knee injury. “We’re very confident in where he’s at physically. He’s done every single thing. Will he do every single thing? Nope. He’ll have time where me or Frank or Jim, us as a group, decide that, just like Morgan yesterday, just like Reggie yesterday, there’ll be things. But I think he’s gotten off to a really good start, both mentally and physically, and acclimating himself to his team.”
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel on AJ Brown’s knee injury
Per: @Patriots
“I think a lot of things get fabricated and people tell stories…we’re very confident in where he’s at physically.” pic.twitter.com/RJ2GzfMWT8
— Savage (@Savageboston) July 27, 2026
Brown has dealt with injuries in the past, particularly knee and hamstring injuries. Over the past two seasons, he has missed four games to hamstring injuries and has dealt with minor knee and rib injuries at other points in his career.
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The 29-year-old ranked as the No. 12 wide receiver in PFN’s Wide Receiver Impact Metric (WRi) in 2025, catching 78 of 121 targets for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games played. The veteran wide receiver has topped the 1,000-yard mark in six of his seven NFL seasons, en route to three Pro Bowls and three second-team All-Pro selections.
New England plans to play it safe with their new weapon early in camp, as he figures to be a crucial piece to an offense that lacked a true number one option in 2025.
The Patriots ranked No. 8 in PFN’s Offense Impact Metric (OFFi) in 2025, with the third most total yards per game (379.4), fourth most passing yards per game (250.5), and second most points per game (28.8).
New England hopes that the additions of Brown and former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, as well as the continued development of second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson, will help take their offense to the next level in 2026.
Combining their new offensive firepower with an already strong defense and one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the league could be what the Patriots need to get over the hump in 2026. After falling short to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl last season, they will look to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in the 2026 NFL season.
