Should I Start A.J. Brown?

Thursday, October 8, 10:19 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) has been in the locker room over the last few days and is eligible to return from Injured Reserve next week, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed reported on Wednesday that Brown was not walking around the locker room with a limp. The 29-year-old has not yet returned to practice, but he is nearing the light at the end of the tunnel in his recovery from a right high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. Brown can officially return to the practice field next week, but even if he does, it is not a guarantee that he will come off IR to play in Week 6 against the division-rival New York Jets. The three-time Pro Bowler was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason to become quarterback Drake Maye's go-to target, but his ankle injury in Week 1 put a halt to those plans. Brown should remain stashed in all fantasy leagues as he nears the end of his recovery and will be a must-start in fantasy lineups whenever he returns to action.