FOXBORO, Mass. — Jonas Gray is well-versed in the lows of the NFL, and he’s ready for another high this week against the Indianapolis Colts.
Gray led the New England Patriots in rushing this season with 412 yards on 89 carries, but nearly half of that total came in one game: Week 11 against the Colts. Gray was only one month removed from being a practice-squad player when he ripped off 201 yards on 37 carries with four touchdowns in Indianapolis, but he also was one week away from being benched for being tardy to the team’s facility before the Patriots’ Week 12 matchup with the Detroit Lions.
Unfortunately, the Patriots had re-signed running back LeGarrette Blount that week, and Gray never regained his starting role.
Gray now has been inactive in two consecutive games, and he’s unsure if he’ll play in this week’s rematch with the Colts.
“No idea. No idea. Just wait and see,” Gray said Friday. “Just like the game plan, you don’t know how things will go. Same way with being active and inactive.”
Gray would love to contribute to winning an AFC championship with his teammates, however, and it would be logical to give the guy another shot against the team that he steamrolled for over 200 yards. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick can be unpredictable, however.
“It would mean a lot, man,” Gray said about receiving carries in Sunday’s playoff game. “Honestly, it would be — it would mean a lot. I’m excited, man. Hopefully I’ll have an opportunity, but I’m just waiting and we’ll see what happens.
“You don’t know whether you’re going to play or not each week. You want to be able to contribute to winning an AFC championship, being a part of something great. Like anyone else on this team, (I’m) worried about the preparation, doing whatever I can to help the team.”
Gray, who was probable last week with an ankle injury, said he’s unsure if that ailment is why he was inactive Saturday in the Patriots’ 35-31 divisional-round playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens. Gray maintained that this hasn’t been a frustrating season, despite the highs and lows.
“When the team’s winning, I’m coming in every day, I’m getting better,” Gray said. “I’m getting better with my preparation, I’m getting better on little things. I’m also staying healthy, so I’m excited about the opportunity to play. I’m excited about my opportunity to play my role, whatever it is, I’ll do it, and we have a chance to go to a Super Bowl. I’m only focused on this one game.”
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
