"An hour before kickoff, the Patriots dropped a bombshell.

Linebacker Adalius Thomas, a two-time Pro Bowler, was inactive for the Patriots' 59-0 rout of the Titans yesterday. It was the first time Thomas has been a healthy scratch since his rookie season with the Ravens.

Coach Bill Belichick confirmed there were no personal or health issues.

"We just went with the players we felt would have a bigger role in the game," he said.

Without Thomas, who was not even at the stadium for the game, the defense pitched its first shutout since the 2008 finale.

Veteran receiver Joey Galloway also was inactive for the third consecutive week. Left tackle Matt Light (knee) missed the game and was replaced by rookie Sebastian Vollmer.

Thomas, a big-money free agent signing in 2007, has 15 tackles (tied for 10th on the team) and one sack this season. At least one key person in Thomas' camp is not aware of a reason for his benching.

Thomas' absence was a huge shock to most, though veterans know better.

"Nothing surprises me," veteran linebacker Junior Seau said, when asked about Thomas.

In Thomas' place, Derrick Burgess started and played outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. He did not have a statistic. Substitute Rob Ninkovich added four tackles, one for a loss."