A.J. Brown Misses Patriots Practice in Fresh Injury Setback

New England Patriots receiver A.J. Brown has suffered another injury setback after missing practice on Thursday, adding to the injury concerns around one of the league's most productive wideouts. Brown, who has already spent time on injured reserve this season, admitted this week that his body still is not fully healthy, telling reporters he is pushing through. His absence from practice is the latest disruption in a stop-start campaign for the veteran, and it leaves his status uncertain as the Patriots prepare for their Week 9 schedule. The timing is awkward for New England. The November 10 trade deadline is approaching and several organizations are adjusting their rosters, but the Patriots' immediate concern is simpler: getting their top receiver back on the field and keeping him there. Brown's ability to play through pain has never been in question, but repeated absences from practice suggest a player still managing a significant issue rather than one fully clear of it. Elsewhere around the league on Thursday, the Chicago Bears completed their blockbuster acquisition of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from Tennessee, while Green Bay's 27-19 Thursday night win over Carolina continued to dominate the Week 8 conversation. For the Patriots, though, the headline is closer to home: their star receiver is again on the sideline, and they will be hoping this setback proves brief.