Patriots Defender Reportedly Still Facing NFL Punishment After Reinstatement

The New England Patriots' roller coaster of a season is still full steam ahead going into Week 13. New England just logged its ninth loss of the year already this past Sunday, but it received some good news on Monday, as it was revealed safety Jabrill Peppers was cleared to rejoin the team after a seven-game absence due to his pending legal case.

While Peppers' return does offer a boost to a defense that's hanging by a thread, it turns out the Pats defender isn't out of the woods yet.

The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed shed some valuable insight on the Peppers situation following his reinstatement. Kyed reported on Monday that the veteran was allowed to rejoin the team because he had already missed seven games, when a typical suspension for personal conduct policy violations is six contests.

"The NFL may still impose discipline at the end of the process if evidence is found that demonstrates Peppers violated the personal conduct policy."

- Doug Kyed on Jabrill Peppers

That makes it clear the NFL hasn't absolved Peppers of any wrongdoing according to league policies. In addition, Kyed notes, there still may be punishment coming from the commissioner's office if, at the end of the process, "evidence is found that demonstrates Peppers violated the personal conduct policy."

This news just continues the wave after wave of bad developments for New England as it tries to take positive steps forward in Jerod Mayo's first year as head coach. The Patriots have certainly missed Peppers' playmaking, as he logged an interception and two passes defended in his first four games prior to his absence, but it appears they at least have to brace for the possibility his misses more time in the near future.

With a jury trail date set for his case on Jan. 22, a potential absence in 2025 is in the cards depending on the NFL's findings.

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