After Adalius Thomas sat out last week, inactive after a tumultuous series of events, it seeemed possible Thomas might not play again this season. A rift had been created between him and coach Bill Belichick, and it made one wonder if Belichick would decide life would just be easier without Thomas. Thomas never worried.

“I didn’t wonder that at all,” Thomas said. “That’s one thing about the cream. The cream always rises to the top. You can hold it down however you want to. It doesn’t matter. You just go out there and do what you are asked to do. If you’re out there on the field, you go out there and do the best you can. If you’re not on the field, then you cheer the guys on in whatever capacity it is. I’m willing to accept whatever role I’m handed down, whatever that role may be.”

One week after being made inactive following a tumultuous week, linebacker Thomas returned to the field today, starting at outside linebacker. Thomas reiterated that any tension regarding his late arrival and dismissal from practice has vanished.

“That page is turned,” Thomas said. “That book is closed. I try to be a professional, whatever I’m asked to do. If it’s to stay at home, I stay at home. If it’s to play, I play.”

Asked if he had cleared the air with Belichick, Thomas simply said, “if it’s done, then it’s done. I’ve let it go.”