Brown practice with Pats, status for Sunday still uncertain
Patriots receiver Antonio Brown practiced with the team for the first time on Wednesday, a day after his former trainer filed a civil lawsuit in Florida accusing him of sexually assaulting her on three occasions.
Before the practice session, Belichick declined to answer numerous questions about Brown, including his status for Sunday’s game at Miami. He deferred to the Patriots’ statement late Tuesday in which they said they were aware of the lawsuit and “take these allegations very seriously.”
“Antonio and his representatives have made statements, so I’m not going to be expanding on any of those,” Belichick said. “They are what they are. We’ve looked into the situation. We’re taking it very seriously all the way through the organization. I’m sure there are questions, but I’m not going to enter into a discussion about that.”
Brown has denied the allegations. Darren Heitner, a lawyer representing Brown, told The Associated Press his client plans to countersue. The NFL has declined to comment but will be opening an investigation into the matter.
In the portion of practice open to media, Brown wore a No. 1 jersey and a visor with his helmet while going through warmup drills with teammates. Brown has worn No. 84 throughout his previous nine NFL seasons, but that number is currently being worn by Patriots tight end Ben Watson. JETS’S ENUNWA OUT WITH NECK INJURY » Quincy Enunwa’s season is over after his second neck injury in just over two years.
The Jets wide receiver was hurt Sunday in the season-opening loss to Buffalo and told the team’s medical staff that he wasn’t feeling right physically and had several tests.
The 27-year-old Enunwa missed the entire 2017 season after injuring his neck in training camp. He had bulging disks in his neck that required surgery, but it wasn’t immediately certain if the two injuries are related.
RAIDERS’ SAFETY ABRAMS OUT FOR YEAR »Oakland Raiders rookie safety Johnathan Abram will be placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending injury to his shoulder in the season opener.
Abram was injured in the first half Monday night against the Denver Broncos. He finished the game but will need to undergo surgery Thursday.
BENGALS’ GREEN RUNNING AGAIN » Bengals receiver A.J. Green has started running for the first time since he hurt his ankle during the opening practice of training camp, an indication he’s healing quickly from surgery.
Green was out of his protective boot for the first time since the injury. The Bengals expect him back during the first half of the season, although there’s no specific target for his return.