FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick coach says his primary concern is Chandler Jones’ health.

Belichick began his news conference Thursday with a statement expressing support for his Pro Bowl defensive lineman. Jones was hospitalized on Sunday and released the same day.

Asked if the incident would affect how Jones will be used in the Patriots’ playoff game against Kansas City, Belichick said: “We’ll find out on Saturday. I can just Xerox you a copy of the game plan, you can send it over to Kansas City. That might be easier for all of us.”

Belichick then refused to answer any more questions about Jones.

Jones was admitted to a local hospital Sunday and released later that day with an unspecified emergency that also involved the Foxborough police. He was not available during the 45 minutes that the Patriots locker room was open to reporters before practice on Wednesday. He was seen on the field during the stretching portion of practice. The team said in a statement that he has not missed practice or any team meetings.

The coach also declined to comment again on how he got a black eye earlier in the week.


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