Jonas Gray Doesn't Play vs. Lions After Reportedly Being Sent Home for Tardiness

Coming off a sensational four-touchdown game, New England Patriots rookie running back Jonas Gray missed a chance to prepare for the Patriots' Week 12 matchup against the Detroit Lions and their NFL-leading defense. He was reportedly sent home for being late to practice, but he was ruled active for Week 12.

However, Gray did not play a single snap in the Patriots' win Sunday.

Continue for updates.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Gray Doesn't Play vs. Lions Despite Being Ruled Active

ESPN.com broke down Jonas Gray's lack of playing time versus Detroit, as New England beat the Lions in Week 12:

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New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray didn't play in Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions after he didn't report to the team's facility on time Friday.

Shane Vereen, who started the game, had a team-high 62 snaps, newly signed LeGarrette Blount had 17 and rushed for two touchdowns and Brandon Bolden had two.

Asked after the game why Gray did not play Sunday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said: "We do what we think is best. That's what we did today."

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Gray was asked about not playing after the game via Phil Perry of CSNNE.com:

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"We're moving past that," Gray said. "I'm glad we got the team win. I think it would've stung more if I didn't play and we had lost the game. ButI'm happy for these guys. I just wish I was able to contribute to the win, but I was glad that we came away with the victory. These guys played great."

Gray was asked to confirm that he was disciplined for being late on Friday, but he would not. "I can't confirm or deny," he said. "I'm just moving on. Glad we got the victory."

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Pats cornerback Darrelle Revis later spoke about Gray's lack of playing time, via Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal:

Friday, Nov. 21

Gray Reportedly Sent Home for Arriving Late to Practice

According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Gray arrived at Gillette Stadium after the scheduled time and was sent home before the team's Friday practice session:

Howe also reported that Gray plans to issue an apology to head coach Bill Belichick:

According to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1, Gray's tardiness was the result of his cell phone alarm not going off:

Despite being sent home before practice, Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com added more information to Howe's report about Gray returning to the Patriots' facility on Friday:

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Jonas Gray will come back to Patriots' facility, apologize to Belichick, get a workout/treatment in. Just wasn't allowed to be at practice.

— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) November 21, 2014"

This isn't the first incident involving a player showing up late to practice for New England in 2014. Cornerback Darrelle Revis missed a practice session in October after Belichick sent him home for arriving late, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe. 

Gray has had an eventful week. While this isn't the way he wanted it to end, there's no denying it started with a bang. The rookie from Notre Dame ran for 201 yards and four touchdowns in New England's 42-20 victory over Indianapolis in Week 11. 

The Patriots have used a revolving door at running back this season, with Belichick going with the hot hand each week. Gray got the call in Week 11, but who knows what he has in store with the Lions' top-ranked run defense coming to Foxborough. 

New England did add reinforcements this week, bringing back LeGarrette Blount after he was released by Pittsburgh following the Steelers' Monday night game against Tennessee. 

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