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Dimitri Patterson: Allegations untrue

NFL, New York Jets

New York Jets cornerback Dimitri Patterson, who was suspended for the remainder of the preseason after allegedly going AWOL last weekend for 48 hours, said Thursday that the team's claims are "completely false."

"As it relates to my whereabouts and me missing for 48 hours without being seen or heard from me or my representative [that] is completely false," Patterson said in a text to ESPN's Josina Anderson. "My agent reached out to the Jets organization multiple times several hours prior to Friday night's game. My commitment to the Jets organization and to my teammates has never been an issue and never will be an issue.

"As it relates to the rumors about my frustration in regards to the depth chart [that] is totally and completely false. In nine years I have never had control over the depth chart."

The Jets did not responded to a request for comment, and coach Rex Ryan declined to address the situation after the Jets' 37-7 preseason loss to the Eagles, saying, "We'll address that at the appropriate time."

The suspension, as well as additional discipline from the team, was levied by the Jets for what they termed an "unexcused" absence, which irked the organization and some teammates. The mystery started Friday night, when Patterson didn't show for the Jets' game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Team officials tried frantically to locate him, not knowing until the next day -- through his agent -- that he was safe and unharmed.

Patterson met Sunday night with Ryan and general manager John Idzik, explaining his behavior. The Jets have refused to divulge Patterson's reasoning, but the well-traveled veteran, 31, was disgruntled with his role on defense, according to a source.

Patterson is eligible to return Monday, when the Jets start preparations for their season opener against the Oakland Raiders.

The Jets signed Patterson to a one-year, $3 million contract in free agency, projecting him as a starter opposite Dee Milliner. It was a controversial signing because of Patterson's injury history (33 missed games since 2011) and because they failed to sign any of the big-name corners in free agency.

Patterson was hurt early in training camp, suffering calf, ankle and quadriceps injuries. He played poorly in the first preseason game and spent the next two weeks on the sideline, rehabbing. The Jets were hoping he'd return against the Giants.

ESPN.com's Rich Cimini and ESPNNewYork.com's Kieran Darcy contributed to this report.

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