Patriots’ Receiver Concerns Put DeMario Douglas In Unexpected Spotlight originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots entered the season hoping their passing game would take another significant step forward with Drake Maye leading the offense. A.J. Brown was expected to play an important role in that development, giving Maye a proven receiving threat capable of making difficult catches and creating explosive plays.
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Instead, the Patriots have spent much of the opening two months trying to keep their wide receiver group healthy.
Thursday brought another discouraging development when Brown missed practice because of ankle and knee issues.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that a knee problem had flared up, leaving Brown’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins uncertain.
That situation places renewed attention on DeMario Douglas. The receiver has already been an important part of New England’s offense, but the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s game could make his responsibilities even more significant.
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Brown’s health concerns arrive at an especially difficult time.
Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins have also been unavailable, leaving the Patriots with limited established depth at wide receiver.
If Brown cannot play Sunday, the available group would center on Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III, barring additional roster moves. That is a significant challenge for an offense hoping to recover from last week’s 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Maye threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns in that game, demonstrating that New England can still move the football through the air.
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However, quarterback production and receiving depth are not the same thing. Maye needs players capable of winning routes, adjusting to coverage and making contested catches when defenses know where the football is likely to go.
Douglas could become especially important on shorter routes and in situations where Maye needs a dependable option to keep a possession moving. The Patriots also may need more contributions from their tight ends and running backs.
Brown missed four games after suffering a high ankle sprain during New England’s season opener against Seattle. He returned against the New York Jets in Week 6 but has not yet produced the type of receiving numbers the Patriots envisioned.
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Brown caught three passes for 27 yards on 10 targets against the Jets. He followed that performance with three catches for 48 yards on six targets against Chicago. That gives him six receptions for 75 yards on 16 targets over his two games since returning from injured reserve.
Those numbers do not tell the entire story of his contribution, but they illustrate the difficulties he has faced while working back toward full health.Brown acknowledged Wednesday that his ankle has continued to affect him.
The new knee concern adds another complication. New England has not ruled him out for Sunday, and the team’s remaining injury updates will provide additional information about his availability.
MORE: A.J. Brown Injury Update: Knee Issue Has Patriots WR ‘Up in the Air’ for Week 8 Game
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Sunday’s trip to Miami is important for New England following its loss to Chicago. The Patriots have shown that Maye can produce impressive passing numbers, but they now must demonstrate that the offense can function effectively when key receiving options are limited.
Douglas could be central to that effort.
Williams and Chism also may receive opportunities to handle responsibilities that would normally belong to more experienced teammates. For offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the challenge is finding ways to create favorable opportunities without asking every available receiver to perform beyond his strengths.
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Brown’s status will remain a major storyline until the Patriots provide a clearer update. But there is another question worth considering.
If New England is forced to play without its most accomplished receiver, who will step forward and make Maye’s job easier? Douglas may have the biggest opportunity to provide that answer.
