NASHVILLE – A.J. isn't A-OK just yet, but he's getting close.
Titans receiver A.J. Brown wasn't able to practice with his teammates in offseason workouts, which concluded two weeks ago.
Instead, he's focused on getting healthy, and getting ready for what's ahead after gutting through injuries in 2020.
But the rising third-year pro hasn't allowed himself to get frustrated. He's too excited about what's ahead to let it get him down.
"I am not getting impatient, but excited," Brown said. "I am excited to get back on the field, and get back out there with my teammates, just to be out there again. I have been rehabbing, and I have been taking it slow. And I'll be back out there soon."
A second-round pick of the Titans in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi, Brown was named a Pro Bowler in 2020 after his second straight 1,000-yard season. In 14 games last season, Brown caught 70 passes for 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In his first two NFL seasons, Brown has 2,126 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns.
Brown said his focus in recent months has been to improve.
"It's been a real slow grind for me," Brown said. "I've done a lot of lifting weights, cardio, film (work), just watching and trying to learn as much as possible. Not kill time, but make the most of it to be honest with you.
"I have been studying, watching old games and just trying to find new ways to improve my game."
Brown should not only benefit from his experience, but from those around him.
The Titans signed former Rams receiver Josh Reynolds earlier this offseason, and then earlier this month the team traded for seven-time Pro Bowler Julio Jones.
Brown is excited about the new additions, and for what could be in store for him and the offense in 2021 following a year when he took his game to another level in an offense that included running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Brown's 19 touchdowns in his first 30 NFL games is a franchise record, and his 2,126-yard total ranks first in the "Titans" era and second only to Ernest Givens of the Oilers (2,214 in 1986-87).
"Of course I am going to embrace any new opportunity," Brown said. "They are kind of asking to put a little more on me this year, which is fine. They can't put more on me than I put on myself already.
"It is all good, so I'll be ready. I am excited to get back on the field and do my diligence."
