Linebacker Johnson Leaves the Patriots

New England Patriot linebacker Ted Johnson has left the team for undisclosed reasons.

“Ted was not here yesterday, he’s not with the team,” New England Coach Bill Belichick said Thursday. “I’ve talked to Ted a couple times, and certainly would not want to say anything on his behalf or try to characterize anything for him.”

When asked if Johnson would be back, Belichick replied, “I don’t know.”

Johnson, drafted in the second round in 1995, signed a five-year, $25 million deal in 1998. Since then, his contract has been restructured six times.

Johnson had a career-high 142 tackles in 1998, but has been plagued by injuries. He has torn the pectoral muscles in both arms, was limited to 13 games and 11 starts in 2000 and started only five games last season.

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Cornerback Quentin Jammer will sit out the season rather than accept the San Diego Chargers’ contract offer, the player’s agent said.

Jammer, the fifth pick overall in April’s draft, is seeking a deal that would pay $13.5 million during the first three seasons. The Chargers are offering $12.6 million.

Defensive tackle Ryan Sims, taken by Kansas City with the sixth pick, signed last week for a reported $13 million for three years.

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Cornerback Terrell Buckley, cut by Tampa Bay Sunday, signed with New England.... Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent could miss the Philadelphia Eagles’ opener Sunday after injuring his left knee in practice.