Antonio Brown's debut with the New England Patriots will take place on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the mercurial wide receiver will play Week 2. He will wear No. 17 for the first time in his NFL career.
No surprise to anyone after he went through the week of practice, but Patriots’ WR Antonio Brown will play today vs. Miami.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2019
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New England plans to “feed him,” against Miami. Reportedly, Brown has been staying until after 10 p.m. or later at the Patriots facility catching passes from rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham, while working on the details of his routes and honing the Patriots playbook.
There was speculation that Brown wouldn't play, due to sexual assault allegations brought up by his former trainer Britney Taylor. The NFL launched an investigation on the civil case, as well as authorities in Pittsburgh. However, the league has yet to place him on the Commissioner's Exempt List, therefore, granting him permission to play.
Another road bump to Brown playing was his lack of experience with the Patriots. Though an undeniably great talent, “AB” signed with New England, officially, a week ago. Before then, he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders.
Head coach Bill Belichick noted earlier in the week that Brown was still trying to grasp a playbook that differs from those seen in Pittsburgh and Oakland. However, it appears that Brown's overnight work has paid dividends.
Nonetheless, the Patriots are trotting out the 2018 touchdown leader (15) against a defense that allowed 59 points Week 1. Not only will Brown play, but he'll also catch passes from Tom Brady. So will Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon.
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