Bill Belichick has long believed that running backs are easily replaceable. And so he’s going to replace the running back who was widely expected to start Thursday night’s opener.
The Patriots have cut running back Jonas Gray, according to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.
That’s a surprise, but maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise any time Belichick makes any move at the running back position. Gray had a huge game against the Colts last year, rushing 37 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns, but Belichick benched him the next week when he was late to practice and largely phased him out of the offense after that.
Starting with Week Two, LeGarrette Blount is expected to start at running back for the Patriots. Blount is suspended for Week One, so the Patriots will go with a running back by committee approach. At the moment, the rest of the running backs on the roster are Brandon Bolden, James White, Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis.