Patriots suspend former Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett for conduct detrimental to the team

The New England Patriots are suspending veteran pass rusher Michael Bennett for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team.

Here’s his statement courtesy of ESPN’s Jordan Schultz:

“On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension. I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused.”

Bennett expressed dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time following the Patriots’ win over the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football. The 33-year-old only played three non-garbage time snaps in that game. His playing time has been on the decline since Week 1. Graphic courtesy of Pro Football Reference:

The Eagles traded Bennett and their 2020 seventh-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for New England’s 2020 fifth-round pick back in March. It was a curious move given Bennett’s on-field production but not so shocking with locker room considerations taken into account.

The Patriots decided they could put up with Bennett. Now they’re trying to reign his attitude in with disciplinary action.

The Eagles will host the losers of Super Bowl LII at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 11. Bennett might not have a huge role against his former team in that game.