Bill Belichick addresses ‘personal’ Patriots player absences from Germany trip
FRANKFURT, Germany — Three Patriots players didn’t make the trip to Germany for the team’s Week 10 matchup with the Colts at Frankfurt Stadium, and two of those three were listed as having “personal” matters.
Left tackle Trent Brown was ruled out Thursday with an ankle injury and a personal issue. Cornerback J.C. Jackson, who was disciplined in the Patriots’ Week 9 loss to the Commanders for being tardy to the team hotel, didn’t make the trip for a lack of dependability.
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Belichick was asked Friday at the DFB Campus if the personal issue or ankle injury is what caused Brown to stay in New England. The Patriots head coach answered “both.” Brown was spotted in the Patriots’ locker room on Thursday but declined to speak with reporters. He was limited in practice Thursday after being absent Wednesday.
He was also asked if Jackson is expected to be available after the Patriots get back from Germany.
“Yeah, I think he’ll be available. He’s not on the trip,” Belichick said.
He wouldn’t explain why Jackson was kept home.
“That um — well that was the decision,” Belichick said. “I don’t want to get into it.”
Conor McDermott is expected to start in place of Brown. Jackson’s snaps will likely be taken over by Shaun Wade and Jack Jones.
