Patriots' AJ Brown exits NFL season opener against Seahawks, ruled out with ankle injury

Patriots’ A.J. Brown Suffers Ankle Injury in Season‑Opening Clash at Lumen Field

A.J. Brown’s highly anticipated return to the field with the New England Patriots was cut short during the third quarter of the franchise’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday night. The game, played at Lumen Field, was billed as a rematch of Super Bowl 60, where Seattle defeated New England 29‑10 to secure its second Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Patriots entered the game with a 10‑0 lead, and Brown was a key part of the offensive attack. While attempting a catch, he was hit by a Seattle defender, rolled into the ground, and remained on the field as medical personnel attended to him. He eventually made his way to the sideline, then to the blue medical tent, and finally to the locker room, still sporting only one cleat.

Medical staff determined that Brown had sustained an ankle injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the game. In his short stint on the field, he recorded three receptions for 26 yards. Brown also drew a 34‑yard pass‑interference penalty that set up the Patriots’ first touchdown of the night. New England’s lead narrowed to 10‑3 as the game entered the fourth quarter.

The Seahawks were forced to adjust their offense early as quarterback Sam Darnold left the game in the first quarter after a separate injury and was ruled out for the rest of the contest. Drew Lock stepped in under center for the remainder of the match.

The injury to Brown underscores the physical toll of the NFL and raises questions about the Patriots’ depth at the wide‑receiver position as the season progresses. The team will now look to its backup options to fill the void left by Brown’s abrupt exit.