# Patriots Young WRs Ready to Step Up

> Patriots' young wideouts Douglas and Williams poised to fill A.J. Brown's void against Steelers
- Title: Patriots Young WRs Ready to Step Up | Shortify
- Summary: Patriots' young wideouts Douglas and Williams poised to fill A.J. Brown's void against Steelers Douglas and Williams have the speed to step up after A.J…
- Keywords: new england patriots, aj brown, demarko douglas, kyle williams, pittsburgh steelers, nfl, wide receiver, high-ankle sprain, seattle seahawks, mike vrabel, patriots practice squad, sports
- Source: New England Patriots On SI — https://si.com/nfl/patriots/onsi/young-patriots-wrs-can-step-up-this-week-vs-steelers
- Published: 2026-09-16T10:00:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new england patriots, aj brown, demarko douglas, kyle williams, pittsburgh steelers, nfl, wide receiver, high-ankle sprain, seattle seahawks, mike vrabel, patriots practice squad, sports
## Patriots WR Crisis
The Patriots' wideout room faced uncertainty after A.J. Brown's injury and Romeo Doubs' poor debut.
## Douglas and Williams Step Up
DeMario Douglas caught five passes against the Seahawks while Kyle Williams went catchless last week.
## Week 2 Challenge
Douglas and Williams must improve their numbers against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
## Williams' Confidence
Williams said he can do a lot for the offense but knows he's more than just speed.

> A lot. I mean, if I wanted to really go, I'd give you a Christmas list, for real.
## Douglas' Focus
Douglas emphasized stepping up and going out there to play the ball.

> You got to step up. Go out there and ball.
## Receiver Room
The Patriots' receiver room includes Doubs, Douglas, Williams, Mack Hollins, and Efton Chism III.
## Brown's Injury Impact
Losing A.J. Brown, a 29-year-old veteran, is a big blow for the Patriots' offense.
## Williams on Recovery
Williams hopes for Brown's quick return but emphasized the next man up mentality.

> Just hoping for a speedy recovery, get him back on the field, because we definitely do need him.
## Coach Vrabel's View
Head coach Mike Vrabel believes Williams can find a role using his speed and catch opportunities.
## Key takeaway

Douglas and Williams have the speed to step up after A.J. Brown's injury