"Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas doesn't have to worry about being on time to today's game. He won't be asked to show up.

Thomas, an outspoken critic of coach Bill Belichick's decision to send him home after he was late to Wednesday's 8 a.m. meeting, will be inactive against the Panthers, the Herald has learned. It will be Thomas' second healthy scratch this season.

Meanwhile, linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who could replace Thomas in the lineup, signed a contract extension that pays him $650,000 in 2010 and 2011.

Thomas, the former prized free agent acquisition, inked a five-year, $35 million contract in 2007. But he has failed to live up to expectations, making just 28 tackles in 11 games this season.

The way he reacted to the discipline didn't help."