The New England Patriots placed J.C. Jackson on the non-football illness amid a series of transactions on Tuesday.
While active for Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the veteran cornerback was neither spotted on the field nor the sideline during what became a 27-17 loss at Gillette Stadium. Afterward, agent Neil Schwartz told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that his client is dealing with mental health issues.
“He wasn’t available. Leave it at that,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told reporters postgame on Sunday.
Jackson, 28, has appeared in eight games since being reacquired from the Los Angeles Chargers in October, starting six.