A.J. Brown injury update: Latest news on Patriots WR’s ankle & knee troubles

The New England Patriots have another concern surrounding A.J. Brown heading into Week 8 of the NFL season. After being limited at Wednesday’s practice with ankle and knee injuries, Brown did not participate Thursday as the Patriots prepare to face the Miami Dolphins. Brown’s status is now one of the biggest injury storylines surrounding New England heading into Sunday. The wide receiver already missed four games earlier this season because of an ankle injury, and his latest setback comes after he acknowledged that he still has not fully recovered. MORE: Bold predictions for Week 8 of 2026 NFL season Brown’s injury situation takes another turn Brown was listed as a limited participant Wednesday with both an ankle and knee injury. One day later, he was downgraded to a non-participant, with the Patriots officially listing him as dealing with ankle and knee issues. Brown’s knee issue had flared up, putting his availability for Sunday’s game against Miami in doubt. The development is particularly concerning because Brown has already acknowledged that his ankle is not fully healthy following his stint on injured reserve. Brown said he is still working through the issue and trying to push through the discomfort. He missed four games after suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. Since returning, he has appeared in two games and has six catches for 75 yards on 16 targets. That production has fallen well short of what the Patriots were expecting when they acquired Brown, and another missed game would make it even more difficult for him to establish consistency in New England. MORE: NFL power rankings Week 8: All 32 teams ranked worst to first Patriots now face major questions ahead of Sunday The Patriots need to monitor Brown’s practice participation closely over the next two days. Thursday’s absence does not automatically rule him out for Sunday, but his status is clearly moving in the wrong direction after he went from limited participation Wednesday to missing practice Thursday. The Patriots are also dealing with injuries elsewhere in their receiving corps, increasing the importance of Brown being available. If he cannot play against Miami, New England would have to lean more heavily on its remaining healthy receivers. For now, Brown’s official game status remains unspecified. His participation in Friday’s practice should provide another important indication of whether he has a realistic chance to play Sunday. With Brown already dealing with an ankle that has not fully healed and now facing a knee issue that has flared up, the Patriots have another major decision to make before Week 8. —  Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter  —