A.J. Brown’s ankle injury sustained in the third quarter of the Patriots’ Week 1 opener against the Seahawks stands as the most immediate factor shaping expectations for his 2026 regular-season receiving touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowler, acquired from Philadelphia in June for a 2028 first-round pick and 2027 fifth-rounder, was ruled out for the remainder of that contest after limited production and now faces an uncertain timeline that could sideline him into Week 2 or beyond. In his new role as the clear No. 1 target for quarterback Drake Maye, whose league-leading completion rate and projected passing volume offer a sharper contrast to prior Eagles offenses, Brown enters the year with a track record of seven touchdowns across 15 games in 2025. His age-29 season, combined with the Patriots’ Super Bowl aspirations, positions him for elevated opportunities once healthy, though the early setback and any lingering effects introduce variability in red-zone usage and overall availability.