Despite being active, New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson did not step on the field — nor was spotted on the team’s sideline — Sunday in a 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“He wasn't available,” head coach Bill Belichick explained post game. “Leave it at that.”
Jackson was present at Gillette Stadium on Sunday and appeared set to play. After not appearing on the Patriots injury report during the week, something likely happened between 11:30 a.m. ET when inactives were announced and 1 p.m. ET before kickoff.
Jackson not being on the sideline was then a surprise to at least one team captain.