FOXBORO — While all of New England mourns the loss of Wes Welker to injury, the return of Vince Wilfork bolsters a defense that craves some good news.
Having missed the previous three games with a foot injury, Wilfork took to the practice field yesterday — fully participating — as the New England Patriots prepare for AFC Wild Card weekend and Sunday's (1 p.m.) home date with the Baltimore Ravens.
If Wilfork's return to the lineup doesn't tip the scales in New England's favor, the big fella's 325-pound load at least evens the score somewhat.
Wilfork should provide an answer to the Ravens' two-pronged running game, much the way Baltimore will rely on its Pro Bowl starting run-stuffer, Haloti Ngata.
For Wilfork, Sunday represents what could be his final game as a New England Patriot. At the least, Wilfork hopes to display first that the foot is healed and more to the point that he remains a premiere defensive tackle.
Of course, Wilfork wasn't about to talk about his contract status yesterday.
But Sunday is as big for him as it is anyone.
"Suddenly, we have a challenge. Hopefully, we can get it done and move on," said Wilfork, who went out late after a six-tackle day against Carolina on Dec. 13.
Wilfork, whose stifling six-year rookie deal (a bargain basement $18 million) expires at the end of the season, almost saw his best season end prematurely.
That injury risk loomed as he couldn't lock down an extension with the Patriots in the offseason.
A nasty, reassuring effort Sunday will certainly help force the franchise's hand.
As it stands right now, Wilfork appears destined for the "franchise" tag, a la Asante Samuel.
Staring across the line at Ray Rice (254 carries, 1,339 rushing yards) and Willis McGahee (109-544), each of whom averages over five yards per carry, Wilfork's play is pivotal.
In his absence the past three weeks, opponents have chewed up 5.0 yards a carry, compared to 4.4 for the year. He, along with Ty Warren, who is also back after three weeks on the sidelines, provides invaluable support to linebackers Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton. The same kind of security blanket Ngata provides for Ray Lewis.
"(Ngata) is an outstanding player, a very powerful guy, explosive player," said Belichick of Wilfork's Baltimore counterpart. "They've got an excellent front and they play a lot of people there, but he's a major force in there. (He's) very good against the run, a strong inside pass rusher along with (Trevor) Pryce, which complements their outside rushers well. He's a tough guy to block in there."
The dominant inner force on defense should go a long way in dictating the outcome.
Wilfork says he and the Pats are right on track.
"I still see guys around here a long time, that's a good sign — even if it's just getting treatment or getting in the hot tub or cold tub, if it's in the film room, in the weight room, guys are starting to step their level up," he said. "We're going to need that. But everything starts with preparation and — so far — I think we're off to a good start."
E-mail Hector Longo at hlongo@eagletribune.com.
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