EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Jets coach Todd Bowles disciplined both starting inside linebacker Darron Lee and defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs for violating team rules.
Lee was inactive because he showed up late for practice on Saturday, a source told ESPN, confirming multiple reports.
"I paid my dues, let my guys down," Lee said to NJ.com after the team's 38-31 victory. "I'll be back tomorrow. That's all there is to it."
Wilkerson sat out nearly the entire first quarter for what the coach said was another "coach's decision." A source said Wilkerson was benched for showing up late to a meeting.
Wilkerson had sat out a quarter of a game twice previously over the last two seasons for lateness.
Bowles said he expected both players back in the starting lineup for next Sunday's game against the Broncos in Denver.
Lee, 23, was the Jets' first-round pick (20th overall) in 2016. He has been inconsistent during his nearly two seasons with the team.
On Sunday, Julian Stanford started in place of Lee.