New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones appeared to intentionally injure Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during a first-quarter play in Sunday's 24-6 win, but his coach thinks it was a misunderstanding.
"I think he thought Burns had the ball," Bill Belichick told The Greg Hill Show on Monday, via ESPN's Mike Reiss.
The incident came after Burns sacked Jones, causing a fumble. While other players went after the loose ball, Jones grabbed the pass-rusher's right ankle and twisted it.
Burns was helped off the field with an injury.
"Definitely thought it was a dirty play," Panthers linebacker Haason Reddick told reporters after the game.