Before the Patriots inevitably traded for wide receiver A.J. Brown this summer, there were plenty of concerns about various things, one of which was his overall health.
There were specific worries about previous knee injuries and how that might impact his performance, which many were particularly nervous about since he would immediately become the WR1 the offense has long needed.
That put a spotlight on him as soon as he arrived in Foxboro, and all eyes were on Brown the second he took the practice field during OTAs. The same could be said since the start of training camp this past weekend, which prompted reporters to quickly ask questions many fans have been wondering about.
Although the receiver is yet to show any sign of slowing down or being hindered by any ailment, it's difficult to overlook what might be happening, especially since rumors suggested other teams backed out of trade talks for Brown due to his injury history.
But as expected, when asked about his knee issues, Mike Vrabel was quick to shut down the ongoing narrative that it has been or will be a problem, finally putting a talking point to rest that will surely follow them into the regular season.
Mike Vrabel is ready to have on lingering A.J. Brown concern go away for good
It was one of the first questions the head coach addressed when speaking to the media this week, and, fortunately, he put the concerns to rest in one swift statement.
"I think a lot of things get fabricated, and people tell stories. … We're very confident in where he's at physically."
It would be nice if that were the end of the conversation, but this is the NFL and the Patriots, so it would be foolish to assume it could be that easy. But at least for now, any conversation about Brown's knee should be put on the back burner unless something happens during practice that makes it a point again.
For the time being, it would be better to focus on watching the chemistry between him and Maye grow during practice and get excited about what that relationship can blossom into during the upcoming season.
He will be the best receiver Maye has worked with, and from the glimpses of greatness we saw during OTAs, it will be exciting to watch them on game day. We already saw what the quarterback could do with Stefon Diggs, and even Kayshon Boutte last season, so the idea of what Brown will allow him to do is going to be fun to watch.
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