" Laurence Maroney hasn't played in a regular-season game since Oct. 5, 2008, spending most of his days in between recovering from a broken shoulder bone. With the opener Monday against the Bills looming, the Patriots running back isn't quite sure it's real.

"I thought the day would never come," Maroney said. "But it's definitely here. Been out for a while, so I'm just excited to be back. I've been working hard, preparing myself to play a full 60 minutes."

A potential starter, Maroney likely will share carries with veteran Fred Taylor, who may take the first snap instead. Maroney doesn't care.

"No, all I really care about is a victory," he said. "Whether I'm the guy that's playing and starting at running back, or I'm the guy coming off the bench playing one, two or three key plays or whatever. I'm not the coach. I can't sit here and say who's going to play.""