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New England coach Bill Belichick expects cornerback J.C. Jackson to return to the team before the Patriots play the New York Giants on Nov. 26.

“Yeah, I think he’ll be available,” Belichick told reporters Friday in Frankfurt, Germany, where New England plays the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday before a bye week. “No, he’s not on the trip.”

Belichick declined Friday to explain the decision to have Jackson stay home this week.

Sports Illustrated reported earlier this week that Jackson was late to the team hotel on Nov. 4, resulting in him being benched to begin New England’s game against the Washington Commanders.

The Patriots could turn to cornerbacks Jonathan Jones, Jack Jones, Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade and Alex Austin to play in place of Jackson, who was acquired by the team in October. Bryant (chest) and Jonathan Jones (knee) have been limited practice participants and are questionable for the game.

Jackson, who turns 28 on Nov. 17, played for New England from 2018-21. He signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in March 2022 but played only five games that season due to injury.

He has recorded 190 tackles, 61 passes defensed and 26 interceptions in 74 games (49 starts) with the Patriots and Chargers. He won Super Bowl LIII with New England and made the Pro Bowl in 2021.

–Field Level Media