Report: J.C. Jackson not expected to travel with Patriots to Germany

New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson isn't expected to travel with the team to Germany for its Week 10 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

With questions about his reliability, the Patriots decided to have him stay home, get through the bye, and return to the team for Week 12, Rapoport adds.

The Maryland product didn't play in the team's first two defensive drives in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders, while cornerback Jack Jones didn't see the field until the fourth defensive series. They were benched due to "recent performance issues," a source told Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

Jackson was late to the team hotel Saturday, which contributed to his benching, a source told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

Neither had an injury designation leading up to the Week 9 contest. Jackson ultimately played 53 snaps, while Jones played 30. The team is without rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones due to injuries.

"Everybody played. They all played," Belichick said after the game when questioned about Jackson and Jones' absences, according to Mike D'Abate of Sports Illustrated. "We played all the corners. We played all the safeties. Really, we played everyone on the defense."

Jackson refused to speak with reporters after the game, while Jones left Gillette Stadium before reporters had access to the players.

New England traded a 2025 sixth-round pick for a 2025 seventh-round pick and Jackson in October. He spent the first four years of his career with the Patriots before signing a five-year, $82.5-million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022.

The 27-year-old has given up 16 catches on 31 targets for 192 yards and three touchdowns in five games since joining the Patriots, according to PFF.