Jonas Gray 'shocked' to be cut by Patriots

Jonas Gray was "shocked" to be released by the New England Patriots on Saturday, believing he was in the conversation to be named the team's starting running back.

"I thought I earned not only a roster spot but the starting spot," Gray told Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Gray was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad Tuesday after being released by the Patriots, a spectacular fall for the player who last season burst onto the scene by running for 201 yards and four touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts.

It's just the latest turn on the roller-coaster ride for Gray. After his huge performance against the Colts, Gray missed practice because he overslept and was in head coach Bill Belichick's doghouse for the rest of the season, rarely seeing the field.

Gray may have been surprised to be let go by the Patriots, but he learned a valuable lesson: don't presume anything when it comes to Belichick.