A.J. Brown’s 2026 regular-season receiving yards outlook centers on his mid-September placement on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 1 against Seattle, where he managed just three catches for 26 yards before exiting. The injury, confirmed via MRI after the Patriots’ trade acquisition from Philadelphia in June, is expected to sideline the 29-year-old for at least four to six weeks, with a possible return around Week 6 or later. Brown enters the year coming off four straight 1,000-yard campaigns with the Eagles, most recently totaling 1,003 yards on 78 receptions in 2025, but now operates in a new offense led by quarterback Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel. Depth options such as Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins will absorb targets in his absence, while his post-return volume will depend on recovery pace, offensive line protection, and how New England distributes looks in the passing game.