A.J. Brown exits Patriots’ season opener with ankle injury

Patriots receiver A.J. Brown was taken to the blue medical tent for evaluations on an ankle injury during the third quarter of Wednesday’s season opener against the Seahawks.

Brown was reaching for a low throw from Drake Maye when Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett appeared to land on Brown’s ankle while breaking up the pass.

Brown grabbed the ankle in pain and received attention from the Patriots’ training staff on the field. He had a slight limp as he walked to the locker room. The Patriots initially said he was questionable to return to the game, and later ruled him out.

The Patriots sent a first-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for Brown in June. Wednesday was Brown’s Patriots debut.

Brown caught three of his first four targets, totaling 26 yards before the injury. His biggest gain came on a 14-yard slant.

Brown, along with the bulk of the Patriots starters, did not play at all during the preseason. He had strong showings in joint practices against the Eagles and Colts and spent a considerable amount of time this summer building his connection with Maye.

Rookie tight end Eli Raridon caught the opening touchdown for the Patriots. Brown had the most catches among Patriots receivers at the time of his injury.

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.