Pats' Belichick on Gray benching: 'We do what we think’s best'

New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray did not play in Sunday's victory over the Detroit Lions, a week after scoring four touchdowns.

Gray did not practice on Friday because he was late to the team's facility after oversleeping.

When asked about the reason for Gray's absence from the game, head coach Bill Belichick told reporters, "We do what we think’s best, and that’s what we did today."

• SI cover: Out of nowhere: Patriots running back Jonas Gray

Last Sunday, Gray ran for 201 yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries in only his fourth career NFL game. He set a franchise record for most touchdowns in a single regular season game.

On Thursday, the Patriots signed running back LeGarrette Blount to a two-year contract. Blount played for New England in 2013, but signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason. The Steelers released Blount last week after he left the field before the end of the team’s 27-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Against the Lions, Blount ran for 78 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns.

The Patriots are currently 9-2 and first in the AFC East.

- Sarah Barshop