NFL Rumors: New England Patriots at Odds With Their Pro Bowl Cornerback

The New England Patriots may already be regretting a reunion with one of their former stars. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, recently acquired cornerback J.C. Jackson will not travel with the team to Germany for Week 10's showdown with the Indianapolis Colts due to "questions about his reliability."

#Patriots CB JC Jackson is not expected to travel with the team to Germany for their game against the #Colts, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. With questions about his reliability, the decision was made to have him stay home, get through the bye and return in a better place. pic.twitter.com/kNdbeI9RLs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2023

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, reliability issues also played a part in Jackson opening Week 9's loss against the Washington Commanders on the bench. Jackson had previously started the last three games for the Patriots.

The Patriots acquired Jackson in October via trade following a disastrous stint with the Los Angeles Chargers. After signing a five-year, $82.5 million deal in March of 2022, Jackson appeared in a mere seven games for the Bolts, allowing a disastrous 552 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception on passes in his direction.

Jackson initially made his name with the Patriots after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He won a Super Bowl with the team that year and nabbed an NFL-leading 25 interceptions over his first four seasons.

Unfortunately, those glory years appear to be behind Jackson and the Patriots. Reliable or not, Jackson isn't the player he used to be, and his struggles are only one of many flaws sabotaging the once-proud franchise. At 2-7, the Patriots are well on their way to their third losing season in four years after posting 19 consecutive winning seasons from 2001 to 2019. Even a spectacular turnaround from Jackson won't be enough to reignite those winning ways.