New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown remains uncertain for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets due to a high ankle sprain sustained in the season opener. Brown returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since the injury but described his availability as “still up in the air,” leaving the final decision to head coach Mike Vrabel.

Brown participated in a limited capacity in back-to-back practice sessions and emphasized the importance of a cautious approach. “It’s a process,” he said, noting that each day he is gradually increasing his workload to see how his ankle responds. He described Thursday’s padded practice as a positive step after spending time working on the sidelines, which he called “really boring.”

The Patriots’ offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, indicated that the team is preparing for the game with and without Brown. The Patriots currently have four active receivers on their 53-man roster—Romeo Doubs, Efton Chism, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams—as Mack Hollins remains on injured reserve with a calf injury.

Brown’s presence on the field would offer a significant boost not only because of his individual talent but also due to the defensive adjustments he forces opponents to make. Safety Kevin Byard has frequently noted that Brown's ability to attract double coverage opens opportunities for other players in the passing game. Even if Brown suits up for the Jets, he may be limited in snaps to manage his recovery.

Reflecting on his injury, Brown downplayed any frustration, highlighting a personal milestone amid the setback. He revealed that when the injury occurred, his thoughts were on attending his wife Kelsey’s nursing school graduation later that weekend—a trip that Vrabel allowed him to make. “That’s the human side of me that a lot of people don’t get to see,” Brown said. “There’s no need to sulk about anything. It’s still a blessing.”

Brown expressed gratitude for being part of the Patriots, the team he grew up watching, and maintained a positive outlook regardless of whether he plays. “I treat every little day, every little second as a blessing,” he said.

With the season still early, Brown acknowledged that playing through some level of discomfort is part of the game’s physical demands. “Nobody’s 100 percent, regardless if the season just started,” he added. “Your body just builds calluses and gets stronger as it goes.”