What happened: Field Yates said Sunday begins a four-game minimum absence for Brown in New England. The Patriots are now weighing their next options at wide receiver for the stretch ahead.
Why it matters: That removes a key part of the passing game for multiple weeks and forces a redistribution of targets early in the regular season. It also extends the wait for Brown's Patriots debut after that had already become a focus in recent days.
By the numbers: At least four missed games would 5% of the NFL's 17-game regular season. A six-week absence would span 35.3% of the schedule.
What to watch: The next Patriots injury reports will show whether Brown's minimum absence changes. Sunday's game will provide the first look at how New England handles the position without him.