Report: Brandon Browner Having Trouble Learning Patriots’ Defense

It seemed odd that after serving a four-game suspension, Brandon Browner was held out an extra game by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

It turns out that Browner didn’t play in Sunday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals because he’s having trouble learning the defense, the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported Thursday, citing a source.

Browner, who signed with New England during the offseason, was with the team through OTAs, minicamp and training camp. He also was allowed in the Patriots’ facility during his four-game suspension to begin the season.

Browner was absent at practice Thursday morning for undisclosed reasons. He participated in the Patriots’ walk-through Wednesday.

Offensive players typically have trouble picking up the Patriots’ complex system, but it’s rare to hear of a defender having similar troubles.