"Fred Taylor wouldn't mind a new nickname. The Patriots running back came up with it himself.

"I'm like the doctor," said Taylor, entering his 12th NFL season. "I'm on call. Whenever my number is called, I'm ready. That's what I am these days. And I do house visits."

Lab coat, stethoscope and all, Taylor is looking to continue his forward progression against the Redskins tonight. The 6-foot-1, 228-pounder had seven carries for 26 yards against the Bengals last week, and he'll likely split carries with Laurence Maroney at FedEx Field.

"Of course, I can do better," Taylor said. "But last week was just an opportunity where I got out there. I went on (injured reserve) the last three games last year. So it felt good just to be back on the field.""