Overview
- During a joint practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, Patriots video showed A.J. Brown catch an 8‑yard sit/comeback route after Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner slipped and lost his footing.
- The team‑posted clip went viral and drew heavy online criticism of Gardner, who posted a mocking reaction on X and later deleted it.
- Reporters noted that 1‑on‑1 drills tend to favor receivers and said a single, slip‑affected rep is a weak basis for judging Gardner’s post‑injury form.
- The play provided an encouraging snapshot for Brown as New England’s primary target for quarterback Drake Maye and gave Patriots coaches positive tape in camp work.
- The Patriots and Colts play a preseason game on Aug. 14, 2026, which will provide live matchups that could give clearer context about both players’ readiness.