A.J. Brown reportedly suffered high-ankle sprain in Patriots debut, expected to miss 4 weeks

A.J. Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain in his New England Patriots debut, according to a report on Thursday. Brown left Wednesday night's game against Seattle and did not return.

Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that x-rays were negative. Rapoport later reported that an MRI on Thursday confirmed Brown has a high-ankle sprain and he is expected to be out at least four weeks. 

Brown was hurt early in the third quarter on an incomplete pass from Drake Maye. He was falling to the turf as he tried to make the catch, and Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's knee made contact with Brown's ankle.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel didn't have much update on Brown's condition after New England's 13-10 loss, or during his Thursday news conference.

"Running more tests, but we'll update you here next week. Wasn't able to finish the game. We'll continue to evaluate, continue to run tests. But I don't know if he'll be available here going forward for the next week, but we'll see," Vrabel said. "I know he'll do everything that he can to get back as quickly as possible. And once we get the reports then we'll figure out what the treatment plan is."

"He's obviously a great player," Maye said. "I threw one low to him, should have hit him in the chest. I've got to make a better play and make a better throw for him."

Brown was originally announced as questionable to return, and the Patriots ruled him out at the start of the fourth quarter. Brown had three catches for 26 yards before the injury.

Brown was also involved in a key play that led to the Patriots' lone touchdown. In the second quarter, Maye found Brown deep downfield on a flea-flicker, but the ball was slightly underthrown and Seattle cornerback Josh Jobe ran into Brown for a pass-interference penalty at the 2-yard line. Maye connected with Eli Raridon for a touchdown on the next play.

The Patriots acquired Brown in an offseason trade with Philadelphia. Brown had at least 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdown catches in six of his first seven seasons, including 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 catches with the Eagles last year.

"I think for A.J. he's going to fight hard to get back from whatever it is," Maye said. "I know he's going to want to get back out there quick. He's a competitor and he's going to help this football team a lot this year."