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Patriots Receivers Say They're Ready to Step up with A.J. Brown on Injured Reserve
Without A.J. Brown, New England may slip from a top-five to a top-15 offense while asking other receivers and the defense to carry more of the load.
Star wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain in the third quarter of New England's 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, forcing him onto injured reserve for an expected 4-6 weeks.
New England produced only 93 yards on 32 plays during the final five drives after Brown exited, forcing quarterback Drake Maye to elevate a receiving corps that struggled with drops in Week 1.
Free agent pickup Romeo Doubs, signed to a $68 million contract, failed to record a catch on three targets in his debut. Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams combined for only nine catches for 71 yards against Seattle.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson, who missed Week 1 with an ankle injury, participated fully in Wednesday's practice, signaling a potential return for Sunday. Coach Mike Vrabel said the team will maintain their game plan while rotating players into new roles.
The Patriots face Sunday's home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers with an offense analysts suggest may drop from top-five to top-15 caliber. The defense must compensate by generating more turnovers to offset the offensive drop-off.
Drake Maye spent most of the training camp this summer thinking about how incorporating the open receiver A.J. Brown could bring a new dynamic to the Patriots' offensive.