Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cary Williams has insisted that his absence from his side's practice session was agreed with head coach Chip Kelly rather than a punishment.

Williams blasted the New England Patriots, who the Eagles will practise against in two weeks time, branding them "cheaters".

The 29-year-old is adamant that his absence from the first practice session since those remarks was not disciplinary.

"I'll be back out there as soon as I can," Williams told reporters. "Chip [Kelly] understands that I work hard, I try to do everything within the system. Today, he just gave me a day off. It's not a big deal.

"It had nothing to do with that. I haven't even discussed anything with Chip. I don't think he's trying any type of. . . . I'm sure maybe we'll have a conversation, but I don't know."

The Eagles face the Patriots in their pre-season clash at Gillette Stadium in two weeks' time.