Photos of the NFL season opener, a rare Super Bowl rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots

SEATTLE (AP) — The NFL season opens with the Seattle Seahawks launching their title defense against the New England Patriots in a rare rematch of the previous season’s Super Bowl.

Click to Gallery

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe, front, causes pass interference against New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown, behind, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20), celebrates with linebackers Drake Thomas (32) and Ernest Jones IV (13) after tackling New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson as New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New England Patriots linebacker Gabe Jacas, left, sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock, left, throws a pass under pressure as New England Patriots linebacker Elijah Ponder, center, reaches during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) is tended to on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, (14) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Dre'mont Jones, behind, during the first half an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks fans reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New England Patriots linebacker Gabe Jacas (50) celebrates sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock with New England Patriots linebacker Dre'mont Jones (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, center, is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Dre'mont Jones, left, as Seattle Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole is at right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

More Images

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe, front, causes pass interference against New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown, behind, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20), celebrates with linebackers Drake Thomas (32) and Ernest Jones IV (13) after tackling New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson as New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New England Patriots linebacker Gabe Jacas, left, sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock, left, throws a pass under pressure as New England Patriots linebacker Elijah Ponder, center, reaches during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) is tended to on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, (14) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Dre'mont Jones, behind, during the first half an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks fans reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New England Patriots linebacker Gabe Jacas (50) celebrates sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock with New England Patriots linebacker Dre'mont Jones (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, center, is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Dre'mont Jones, left, as Seattle Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole is at right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

SEATTLE (AP) — A.J. Brown injured his right ankle in his New England Patriots debut Wednesday night against Seattle, and the standout receiver was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Brown was hurt early in the third quarter on an incomplete pass from Drake Maye. He was falling to the turf as he tried to make the catch, and Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's knee made contact with Brown's ankle.

Brown was originally announced as questionable to return, and the Patriots said he was out at the start of the fourth quarter. He had three catches for 26 yards before the injury.

The Patriots acquired Brown in an offseason trade with Philadelphia. Brown had at least 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdown catches in six of his first seven seasons, including 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 catches with the Eagles last year.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Photos of the NFL season opener, a rare Super Bowl rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots

News