The news

The New England Patriots have listed wide receiver A.J. Brown as questionable for Sunday's matchup in Munich, per @MikeReiss. Brown is managing knee and ankle injuries heading into the international contest. The designation follows a week where Brown traveled overseas with the club and completed consecutive days of work on the field.

Brown took the field with the New England Patriots for Friday's practice session in Germany. That workout followed a limited participation session on Thursday, marking his second consecutive day taking part in drills. Team officials confirmed his questionable game status on Friday's final injury report ahead of the weekend contest.

Prior context

Brown has appeared in three games this season while navigating lingering knee and ankle issues. The New England Patriots previously spent weeks practicing without the receiver available on the field. His extended absence shifted perimeter responsibilities across the depth chart during the first half of the season, including a five-reception, 102-yard performance by a fellow receiver last week.

Brown returned to the practice field when he stretched and loosened up at the start of Thursday's session. He took part in early drills after participating in team walkthrough sessions earlier in the week in Germany. His return drew immediate praise from a teammate, who highlighted Brown's leadership role and his work organizing a team Bible study. “Feels good to have that leader back,” the teammate noted regarding Brown's presence.

The New England Patriots have also managed health concerns at other skill positions heading into the overseas trip. The team's top tight end, who has recorded 32 receptions for 361 yards and two touchdowns through nine games in 2026, was limited on Wednesday due to a foot injury and also carries a questionable designation. Additionally, the team's primary running back—who has posted 102 carries for 399 yards and two touchdowns this year—worked in a limited capacity on Thursday while managing his own workload.

The New England Patriots enter the international contest at 5-4 through nine games in 2026. The franchise currently holds the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff race as the regular season enters its second half. The team is seeking to rebound after surrendering 45 points in a 45-27 defeat on Nov. 8 in its previous outing.

What it means

Getting a premier outside receiver back on the field provides an immediate boost to the passing attack. Brown's perimeter presence is central to the game plan and vital to stabilizing the offensive unit. Sidelining Brown would remove a primary target and force immediate adjustments to offensive rotations.

The offense relied heavily on both Brown and the running game when the unit handled heavy workloads in late October. With multiple skill players managing physical issues, maintaining offensive continuity is essential to spark the passing game. The New England Patriots need their top playmaker active to rebound from a one-game skid and maintain momentum.

The New England Patriots face a difficult overseas matchup against a 6-2 opponent that holds the fifth seed in the NFC. That opposing squad enters the weekend coming off a 19-9 road victory and currently leads the league in fourth-down touchdowns under their head coach. Securing an international victory remains critical for the New England Patriots to protect their postseason positioning.

What reporters are saying

Per @USATODAYSports, all eyes were on Brown as the New England Patriots arrived at practice this week. Per @MikeReiss, Brown was spotted loosening up and stretching at the start of Thursday's session before moving into receiver drills.

Per @RapSheet, Brown's on-field presence on back-to-back days offers an encouraging signal regarding his potential availability for the weekend. Per @GNews NFL and @Yahoo NFL, the New England Patriots are managing multiple injury issues during their trip to Germany while monitoring their primary offensive playmakers.

What to watch next

The New England Patriots will evaluate Brown during pregame warmups before determining his active status. The head coach indicated on Friday that Brown and the running back have responded well during their return to practice. However, the coaching staff noted that the team needs to evaluate how both players hold up following Friday's session before making final lineup determinations.

Official inactives will be announced 90 minutes before Sunday's kickoff in Munich. That pregame roster release will definitively clarify Brown's availability for the international matchup. Brown's participation level during early warmups will offer the final clue for the offense.

Companion to our earlier report: Patriots list A.J. Brown as questionable for Munich game.