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Welker Talks Physical Play, Rolle's Comments

FOXBORO (CBS) - Two practices in a row and it looks like Wes Welker is set and ready to go on Sunday against the New York Giants.

The Patriots wide receiver hurt his neck on a tackle against the Steelers last Sunday.  Lately, teams have been picking up the pace and getting real physical with Wes.

Welker said that is expected.

"There has been a lot more man-coverage, guys getting in your face and grabbing and doing whatever they need to do," Welker said in the Pats locker room Friday. "At the same time, you have to understand that and do business as business is being done, and be physical and get open. That's what it comes down to."

Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog

On Sunday, getting Wes open will be a must for the Patriots.  Given the Giants pass-rush, the quicker Tom Brady can get rid of the ball, the better.

"They are one of the best pass rushing [teams] around. Definitely getting open with quickness and making sure we can try to tire those guys out as much as possible is going to help us," he said.

Earlier in the week, Giants corner Samari Rolle said he looks forward going against Welker, and when asked why the Pats receiver has been giving defenses so much trouble, he said he doesn't anticipate finding.

"You'd have to ask those guys he's giving trouble to," Rolle said. "I don't plan on having to answer those questions."

"I handle anything. I'm up for all challenges," the corner continued. "At the end of the day, it's may the best man win."

On Friday, Welker brushed off the comments in true Patriot fashion.

"I could care less either way if he did or didn't," said Welker. "I'm focusing on the game. I think at this point you hear it all and you just don't worry about it. You move on and get ready for the game."

Stats: Patriots-Giants Head to Head

"I'm not too worried about it. Just trying to study him up on film and get ready for him; make sure I do anything possible to be successful on Sunday. That's where my focus is, not really worried about too much else," he said.

In the words of Rolle, may the best man win.

Tune in to the Patriots-Giants game on 98.5 The Sports Hub Sunday at 4:15pm. Pregame coverage kicks on WBZ-TV at 11:30am with Patriots Gameday, with the Hub's coverage beginning at 1pm. After the game, tune in to the Hub for the Patriots Postgame show, and to MY TV38 for Patriots Fifth Quarter.

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