Initial AJ Brown update after Patriots debut ends prematurely

A.J. Brown's highly anticipated New England Patriots debut lasted just 31 snaps.

The star wide receiver, acquired by the Patriots this offseason for a first-round pick, left Wednesday night's 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks early in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return.

Brown was injured on a third-and-4 play when Drake Maye attempted to find him on a quick pass. The throw was underthrown, and as Brown and Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett went after the ball, Pritchett's knee came down on Brown's right ankle.

Brown immediately stayed down on the field before limping off with members of the Patriots' training staff. He was examined in the blue medical tent before heading to the locker room for X-rays.

Mike Vrabel did not have an update on Brown's condition after the game, but Brown was reportedly seen in the locker room wearing a boot on his right foot.

Despite his limited playing time, Brown made an impact in his Patriots debut. He finished with three catches for 26 yards on four targets and also drew a crucial pass interference penalty on an underthrown flea-flicker that helped set up New England's only touchdown of the game.

The timing of the injury could not be worse for the Patriots.

Brown was brought in to be the centerpiece of a revamped wide receiver room after New England moved on from Kayshon Boutte and Stefon Diggs. The Patriots also added Romeo Doubs this offseason, but his debut was one to forget as he finished without a catch on three targets and dropped a pass in the fourth quarter.

If Brown is forced to miss time, the Patriots will suddenly have a major problem at wide receiver.

Brown has been one of the NFL's most productive receivers throughout his career. The 29-year-old recorded 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games for Philadelphia last season and has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons.

For a Patriots offense that managed just 10 points against Seattle, losing Brown for an extended period would be a significant blow.

New England will have to wait for further testing and updates before knowing the severity of the injury, but the early signs are certainly concerning.

After giving up a first-round pick to make Brown the focal point of their offense, the Patriots can only hope this is a short-term setback.