Adam Schefter: A.J. Brown is showing ‘encouraging’ signs during recovery process

Patriots receiver A.J. Brown is out for at least the next three games and possibly more as he deals with a high ankle sprain.

However, a little more than two weeks into his recovery process, he has been showing some positive signs according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“I think that’s going to take a little while,” Schefter said during a recent appearance on WEEI. “I think it was supposed to be a six-to-eight week injury. I think he’s been, from what I understand, moving pretty well.

“Looks like a guy that could come back on the quicker side of six weeks than eight weeks, so that’s encouraging … maybe it’s six [weeks] but you there’s still a little ways to go and you have to see how he is recovering.”

Brown injured his ankle during the third quarter of the Patriots’ loss to Seattle in the season opener on Sept. 9. The soonest he would be eligible to return would be Week 5 against the Jets on October 18.

Six weeks out from the season opener would be the Patriots’ Thursday night game against the Bears on Oct. 22. Eight weeks would push his return back into November.

The Patriots have to get Brown back as soon as possible, coach Mike Vrabel said last week. Through two games, the Patriots have averaged 15 points, which is tied for fifth-worst in the league.

Romeo Doubs tallied a career-high 96 receiving yards against Pittsburgh in Brown’s absence. He was the only Patriots pass-catcher with more than 40 yards on Sunday.

The Patriots beat Pittsburgh, but they also sustained several injuries. Dre’Mont Jones, Eli Raridon, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, and Mike Onwenu all left the game early.

Pettus and Onwenu have since been placed on injured reserve. ESPN reported that Onwenu has a broken ankle.

Schefter did not sound optimistic about a possible return for Onwenu this season.

“I would be surprised,” Schefter said. “Look, if they can have a deep run that certainly enhances the chances, but the way that I heard I think the regular season seems like a realistic goal for him to miss. If he can come back sooner, great, but I don’t think they should be counting on that.”

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.