Patriots ‘likely’ to activate A.J. Brown from IR to play vs. Jets

The Patriots appear set to get an unexpected boost against an AFC East rival on Sunday.

A.J. Brown, New England’s 29-year-old star wide receiver, is set to be activated from injured reserve (where he has been since sustaining a high ankle sprain against the Seahawks in Week 1), according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

“The Patriots will likely activate WR AJ Brown off Injured Reserve to play against the Jets on Sunday,” Rapoport reported on Saturday morning.

Brown was back on the practice field this week, but questions remained about his availability in the short term against the Jets in Week 6. The more likely outcome appeared to be a Week 7 return, when the Patriots play the Bears in Chicago on Thursday night.

Yet Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel wasn’t ruling out Brown’s return in the quicker scenario for Sunday.

“We’ll have to see how he responds from practice today and then go from there,” Vrabel told reporters on Friday. Brown was limited in his three days back at practice starting on Wednesday, but has been optimistic about his return.

New England’s offense initially struggled in his absence, letting an opening night lead slip away in Seattle against the Seahawks after he exited the field, and suffering a 35-6 loss against the Jaguars on Sept. 27.

In the last two weeks, the rest of the Patriots’ receiving corps has shown signs of development in consecutive wins. Backups Efton Chism and Kyle Williams have made big plays (Chism caught a one-handed game-winning touchdown against the Bills, Williams is averaging 27 yards per catch), adding to the contributions of DeMario Douglas and Romeo Doubs.

Yet with Mack Hollins also still out — the veteran was placed on injured reserve prior to the Raiders matchup with a calf injury — Brown’s return would help the Patriots get back to five wide receivers (New England had just four active against Las Vegas in Week 5).

In addition, Brown being back on the field — even in a limited role, initially — promises to provide another level of dynamism in the passing game. Having been acquired in a high-profile offseason trade, Patriots fans will be excited to see if Brown can make plays against the rival Jets.

The Patriots (3-2) face the Jets (2-3) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.