Patriots Leaving J.C. Jackson Behind for Germany Trip Due to Unreliability

The cornerback was late to the team hotel before its Week 9 game.

Cornerback J.C. Jackson is not expected to travel with the Patriots for their Week 10 game against the Colts in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Concerns over Jackson’s reliability led to the decision, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The Patriots hope that staying at home, with additional time off from a bye week, will give the six-year veteran time to improve his approach, 

Jackson’s reliability has been in question since the Chargers traded him back to New England, where he played his first four NFL seasons, in early October. 

Soon after the deal, reports circulated that Jackson refused to enter his final game with Los Angeles before being shipped out. Eventually, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco apologized to players for signing Jackson and giving him opportunities despite a lack of commitment. 

Unfortunately, returning to New England hasn’t appeared to improve his dependability.

Patriots CB JC Jackson was late to the team hotel on Saturday, per sources, which was a part of why he started Sunday's game vs. the Commanders on the bench. Now, as @RapSheet said, Jackson won't be making the trip to Germany.

Reliability issues have long plagued Jackson.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 8, 2023

Jackson raised questions about his reliability when he showed up late to the team hotel the night before Week 9’s matchup with the Commanders, reported Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. That led coaches to keep Jackson sidelined during the defense’s first two series. He recorded one tackle in the game. 

Asked the next day about Jackson not starting, Patriots coach Bill Belichick insisted that the cornerback hadn’t been benched.

“Well, it’s been a transition. I think his off-field training and physical health and conditioning has definitely improved,” Belichick said, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “So he’s done a good job working at that. Just the consistency in the secondary from everybody is something we need to do a better job of.”