A.J. Brown will be sidelined for at least 4 weeks due to the high-ankle sprain he sustained in the 3rd quarter of Wednesday’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

This is a crucial blow to the Patriots offense as it appeared they were planning to feed their newly acquired star alpha-WR as he had 3 receptions on 4 targets for 26 yards in less than 3 quarters and was on pace for 9 receptions and 78 yards.  He was also wide open for what would’ve been a 36 yard TD, but was under-thrown by QB Drake Maye. Fantasy football managers can take solace in Brown’s massive target share before going down, but unfortunately will have to find a replacement for this gaping hole in their rosters for at least the next 4 weeks.

The next man up in Brown’s absence is unclear, as Romeo Doubs had a truly abysmal game (0 for 3 and 1 costly drop) and Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas are established role players. Monitor second year wide receiver Kyle Williams, who possesses the downfield playmaking ability to partially absorb Brown’s vacated targets. ~Jason Diaz