The NFL preseason is in full swing, and every injury headline draws extra scrutiny from fantasy football managers prepping for drafts. A.J. Brown has missed a stretch of summer practices, causing managers to monitor his health closely. With the season just weeks away, what’s the outlook for one of the Eagles’ centerpiece receivers as fantasy boards take shape?
A.J. Brown Injury Update
The Eagles’ WR1 has missed several consecutive practices due to a mild hamstring strain suffered during training camp. The team has consistently described holding him out as precautionary, with no intention of rushing Brown back for preseason snaps.
It’s worth remembering that Brown was sidelined for three games last season with a hamstring strain as well, but did not have recurring issues once he returned to action.
Importantly, there’s still ample time for recovery. With two weeks remaining until the regular season kicks off, there are no indications from the Eagles’ coaching staff or local media that Brown’s availability for Week 1 is in jeopardy.
NFL history is full of elite players who picked up minor muscle tweaks during summer practices, only to be fully ready (and effective) when games begin. Unless news emerges suggesting a setback, this appears to be the typical preseason caution approach.
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: #Eagles WR A.J. Brown is working his way back into action well ahead of Week 1. Barring an unforeseen setback, he’s on track to face the #Cowboys in 16 days. pic.twitter.com/0pOp1dbXQP
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 19, 2025
Brown Fantasy Outlook
Since he arrived in Philadelphia, Brown has been one of fantasy football’s most bankable wide receivers. His floor is incredibly stable as he’s averaged at least 14 PPR points per game in every Eagles season, with little threat of a weekly bust. What has eluded Brown, however, is true league-winning upside; he’s never eclipsed 18 PPG for a full season, even as the WR1 on a playoff contender.
Brown’s talent isn’t the issue. When Jalen Hurts throws more frequently, Brown’s target share and production spike into the elite tier, something that would push him into 20+ PPG territory if the Eagles’ offense shifts away from the run-first approach. The main limiter remains volume, not ability.
Jalen Hurts launches it to A.J. Brown for the 67-yard Eagles touchdown! pic.twitter.com/JPtqcGJN7v
— NFL Touchdown Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) September 7, 2024
Heading into 2025 drafts, managers should feel about Brown just as they did before this minor hamstring scare. There’s no reason for a downgrade or fade based on a manageable, commonplace training camp issue. Pencil him in as a safe WR1 with top-3 upside if Hurts is ever forced to ramp up the pass volume.
