FOXBORO, Mass -- New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung's sole focus right now is returning to game action alongside his teammates, not his legal situation unfolding in New Hampshire.
News broke last Thursday that Chung had been indicted by a Belknap County (N.H.) grand jury Aug. 8 on a charge of cocaine possession. Chung has entered a not guilty plea, the New Hampshire Supreme Court confirmed Monday.
Chung spoke to reporters Monday at Gillette Stadium for the first time since the indictment became public. The veteran safety refused to comment on his legal trouble in N.H., but he did note he's working hard in his recovery from a broken arm suffered in February's Super Bowl LIII matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams.
Will he be ready for the Patriots' regular season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 8?
"I don't know. I'm just trying to get right. That's a while from now," Chung said. "We still have a game before the Steelers. Right now I'm just trying to get the rust off and get going."
When asked if he still had more rust to shake off, Chung responded, "I don't know. We'll find out."
Chung has worn a red non-contact jersey throughout training camp and the preseason, but he's no longer wearing it now. He returned to practice Sunday in full pads, and he practiced Monday as well.
New England Patriots
"It feels good. It's a little hard to practice with a red jersey on in pads," Chung said. "It feels good to get out there and be a little physical, move my body a little bit. It's been good."
It's unknown if Chung will suit up for Thursday night's preseason finale versus the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. Starters typically don't play in the fourth preseason matchup, but Chung's situation is a little different given his injury. Chung said "it's not my decision" when asked if he expected to play against the Giants.
"I haven't played all preseason. I'm trying to get ready to go," Chung said. "That's all I've been worried about. Getting out here and playing some football."
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