New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles announced Friday that defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson won't make the trip to New Orleans for Sunday's game against the Saints due to a "coach's decision."
Bowles said the designation isn't injury-related, adding that he spoke to the team about the decision.
The benching is a result of Wilkerson arriving late to a morning meeting, a source informed Rich Cimini of ESPN.
The seven-year vet, who has regularly clashed with coaches, was also reportedly held out from the first series of the team's Week 13 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He responded with a six-tackle, one-sack performance last week against the Denver Broncos in a losing effort.
Reports have surfaced suggesting the Jets will move on from Wilkerson after the season, which wraps up in three weeks.
His best season came in 2015 when he tallied a career-best 12 sacks. He signed a five-year, $86-million contract the following offseason.
