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A.J. Brown reportedly expected to miss more than 4 games on injured reserve

J. Brown is facing an extended sideline stint after sustaining a right ankle injury during the team's 13-10 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks in their season opener.

The setback occurred following an incomplete pass on third down, when Seattle cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's right knee came down awkwardly across Brown's right ankle. Brown limped off to undergo X-rays and was ruled out, and New England has now placed the marquee offseason acquisition on injured reserve.

While a standard reserve designation mandates missing at least four contests, Brown is projected to remain sidelined for roughly six weeks. The prolonged absence deprives quarterback Drake Maye of his primary aerial weapon just one game into the campaign.

Offensively, coordinator Josh McDaniels was reportedly caught unaware regarding the decision to move the star wideout to injured reserve before having to adjust his passing scheme to compensate for the major loss.