Patriots Place J.C. Jackson on Season-Ending List, Sign RB

New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson has been placed on the non-football illness (NFI) list after being unable to play during the team’s Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots have placed cornerback J.C. Jackson on the non-football illness (NFI), effectively ending his season. 

Jackson has been dealing with a personal illness, which ultimately caused him to miss the Patriots’ Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. While the nature of his indisposition has yet to be confirmed, his agent Neil Schwartz’s confirmed on Sunday evening that his client had been dealing with “mental health issues.” 

Subsequently, the Pats have signed running back Kevin Harris to the active roster, filling Jackson’s spot. 

New England Patriots CB J.C. Jackson / Cred: USA Today Sports Images

Jackson re-joined the Patriots via trade from the Los Angeles Chargers in early October. The 28-year-old spent from 2018-21 with the Pats — a four-year stint which included a Super Bowl championship (LIII) and earning nods as a both Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. Since his return, he has logged 25 tackles and six passes-defensed.

In addition to Sunday’s game, Jackson also missed the Patriots Week 10 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts due to personal reasons, and thus did not travel with the team to Frankfurt, Germany. Since that time, his teammates have regularly expressed their support for his well-being — including team captain Matthew Slater — who offered his well-wishes for the talented, yet struggling corner on Monday.

“For Jerald [Jackson,] I hope he hears and understands and knows, that for us, we just want to see him be well," Slater said. That’s the most important thing.”

As a result of Jackson’s designation, the Pats actively-rostered cornerbacks include Jonathan Jones, Shaun Wade, Myles Bryant and rookie Alex Austin. 

Harris’ signing will mark his second tour of duty on New England’s 53-man roster since being drafted by New England in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 183 overall) out of South Carolina. The 5-10, 225-pound rusher began his rookie season on the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster on Oct. 13. He played in five games with one start last year and recorded 18 carries for 52 yards with one touchdown. 

Late Audition: Patriots' Kevin Harris Scores in Loss to Chiefs

Harris was released at the end of training camp this past summer and was signed to the scout team. He was elevated for the last two weeks and saw his first action of the year vs. Kansas City last Sunday, scoring on an 18-yard touchdown run. He is expected to continue in his role as primary backup to Ezekiel Elliott, should lead back Rhamondre Stevenson remain out due to an ankle injury. 

The Patriots also officially confirmed the roster claim of quarterback Nathan Rourke, along wit the signings of defensive back William Hooper and running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn to the practice squad, via a Tuesday evening press release.  

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