Patriots Strip Defender’s Captaincy Following Off-Field Trouble

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots made a notable change prior to their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Jabrill Peppers no longer appears to be a captain.

New England took the field for pregame warmups in their red throwback uniforms, but one more notable uniform update saw Peppers’ captain’s patch stripped from his jersey. The Patriots didn’t make any other changes, with safety Kyle Dugger, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, tight end Hunter Henry and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. all keeping theirs.

Peppers, who returns to the lineup after missing the last seven games, was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list on Oct. 9 after appearing in Quincy District Court and facing multiple charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The NFL will continue to investigate the 29-year-old, as he has a trial date set for Jan. 22.

Peppers’ attorneys have strongly refuted the allegations levied against him.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked whether Peppers would remain a captain after he returned to practice this week and told reporters that he’d keep the conversation “in the house.”

Peppers is expected to start alongside Kyle Dugger.