Yes — A.J. Brown is expected to play tonight when the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots meet on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. Brown returned in Week 6 after missing four games with a right ankle injury, and his availability gives the Patriots a key option in a prime-time matchup.
Brown’s path back started in Week 1, when he played against the Seattle Seahawks before injuring his right ankle. That setback sent him to IR and kept him out for four games, making his Week 6 return in the Patriots’ win over the New York Jets an important step in his recovery.
What Brown looked like in Week 6
The first game back was not a big statistical outing. Brown caught three of 10 targets for 27 yards against the Jets. That kind of production is not unusual for a receiver working back from an injury and trying to regain timing after a lengthy absence, but it does show he is still finding his footing.
Even so, Brown’s presence matters. The Patriots can use him as a one-on-one matchup problem, and that is where Jaylon Johnson comes into the conversation. Johnson has struggled in coverage this season, including a 44.1 overall grade, a 40.9 coverage grade and a 94th-place ranking among 102 eligible cornerbacks. He has allowed three passes with a 115.1 passer rating when targeted, though he has also posted a 61.4 run-defense grade.
Why it matters in Week 7
This is the kind of matchup that can shape a short-week game. If Brown is close to full strength, he gives the Patriots a receiver who can stress the Chicago Bears vertically and force attention on key snaps. If he is still ramping up after missing four games, New England may lean on him more carefully.
For now, the answer to the main question is simple: A.J. Brown is playing tonight. The bigger question is how effective he can be after his first game back and whether he can turn a limited return into a bigger impact in Week 7.
