The wide receiver has been out since suffering a high ankle sprain in the season opener against Seattle.
The Patriots are moving toward getting their big offseason addition back on the field. Head coach Mike Vrabel announced Wednesday that New England has opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver A.J. Brown, along with offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, meaning both are now eligible to return to the 53-man roster at any point over the next three weeks.
Brown, 29, has been sidelined since the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, where he caught three passes for 26 yards before a high ankle sprain ended his day and sent him to injured reserve. He was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in a June trade and had yet to make his full Patriots debut before the injury.
The timing matters. New England's receiver room took another hit with Mack Hollins landing on injured reserve with a calf injury, thinning the depth at the position. The Patriots now face a decision on when to activate Brown as they look ahead to their matchup with the New York Jets.