Gray Happy to Have Blount in Backfield

Despite Gray's breakout performance, Blount's addition to the backfield didn't come as a shock.

Less than a week after Jonas Gray ran all over the Colts to the tune of four touchdowns and 201 rushing yards, he has a new face in the Patriots backfield. Check that; it's a new face for Gray, who joined the Pats in the offeseason, but an old face for just about everybody else: LeGarrette Blount returns to New England after just 11 games in Pittsburgh, where he was released on Tuesday after leaving the field during the Steelers-Titans game before it was over.

Despite Gray's breakout performance, Blount's addition to the backfield didn't come as a shock.

“I wasn’t necessarily surprised," he said. "In this business, not a whole lot surprises me, especially given where I’ve come from. I just prepare the same way -- it doesn’t matter who we sign or who we bring here. I believe in Bill (Belichick) and whatever he’s doing.”

In fact, Gray said he's excited to play alongside Blount.

“We kind of knew of each other beforehand, and the guys here have nothing but good things to say about him," Gray continued. "It’s kind of funny, that running back position, they always talk about the camaraderie, so right away, even on the practice field, we acted like we’ve known each other for a long time,” he said.

“I’m excited, man. I think it’s going to be something good for us. For a team, what we want to do long-term, when these cold-weather games start coming up, I think it’s going to help. He’s a great guy to learn from, too, and I think we’re going to both motivate each other.”

The Patriots host the 7-3 Lions on Sunday.

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