Antonio Brown expected to play vs. Dolphins amidst rape allegation

The New England Patriots face the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, and early indications have wide receiver Antonio Brown expected to suit up. He traveled with the team to Miami, per Michael Giardi, and is expected to play, per Ian Rapoport.

Brown signed with the Patriots last weekend, and the initial thought was he would be ready in time for Week 2. However, since then, we’ve learned that a woman filed a civil lawsuit against him citing three instances of sexual assault. The NFL is investigating it, but has said that since there is no criminal charge at this point, they will not place Brown on the Exempt list.

There have been numerous questions as to Brown’s status and what the Patriots knew or did not know when they signed him. Robert Kraft would not have signed off on the signing if the team had known about the allegation at the time, according to Ian Rapoport.

If that’s the case, it is odd that they would hustle to get him on the field in Week 2. It’s possible Rapoport’s source is misinformed and the Patriots are simply like any other team — they’ll play whomever will help them win, regardless of their off-field concerns. That would not be a surprising development considering the nature of the NFL when it comes to these sorts of issues.

The Patriots and Dolphins play at 1:00 p.m., with inactives due at 11:30.