"Although Fred Taylor was listed as questionable on the Patriots' injury report yesterday, coach Bill Belichick believes the veteran running back was close to getting back on the field, possibly tomorrow at Buffalo.

"Well, he's closer every day,'' Belichick said when asked about Taylor's status. "He started practicing last week and this week he got better every day.''

Taylor, who hurt his right ankle against Baltimore Oct. 4, confirmed as much after limited participation in a bone-chilling practice at Gillette Stadium."