Patriots place A.J. Brown on injured reserve; earliest return is October 18

The Patriots placed A.J. Brown on injured reserve Saturday, confirming the move that had been reported Friday. New England announced the transaction together with the signing of defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, who fills the open roster spot. Read the team announcement. Brown must miss the games against Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Buffalo and Las Vegas. The earliest he is eligible to play again is October 18 against the Jets; eligibility does not establish that he will be medically ready. The Patriots’ update identifies that four-game minimum. Brown was hurt early in the third quarter while reaching for a low Drake Maye pass. Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett deflected the throw, and his knee landed on Brown's right ankle. Brown was treated on the field before heading to the medical tent and then the locker room. He finished with three receptions on four targets for 26 yards in New England's 13-10 loss. Brown also drew a 34-yard pass-interference penalty that moved the Patriots to Seattle's 2-yard line before their opening touchdown. New England’s next game is the September 20 home opener against Pittsburgh. Brown’s absence leaves the offense to redistribute his work among the remaining receivers, with their roles still to be established over the coming games.