From NFL.com:

Patriots LB Adalius Thomas will not be active for Sunday’s game against the Panthers, according to a league source.

Thomas, who was a healthy scratch once before this season, was on New England’s list of early inactives, the source said.

Thomas was among four players sent home Wednesday for arriving late to an 8 a.m. team meeting. Thomas spoke out about that punishment earlier this week and has been at odds with coach Bill Belichick at times this season.

Thomas, a high-priced free-agent signee before the 2007 season, has failed to put up the kind of numbers that he did with the Ravens, and some Patriots teammates believe he could be let go after the season given his conflicts with Belichick. Some wonder if Thomas will see the field again this season as well, unless injuries force the coaching staff to use him.