"Fred Taylor struggled to come to grips with his injury-prone reputation early in his career. Each ailment that yanked the running back off the field left him deep in thought.

"I used to always ask, 'Why?' " the 12-year veteran said. "Now, I realize it's all part of the game."

Taylor has been sidelined since Oct. 4 with torn ankle ligaments. He has missed the Patriots' last nine games.

In his first extended interview since he went down on his final carry against the Ravens, Taylor yesterday sounded cautiously optimistic about a potential return tomorrow against the Bills.

"I feel real good," said Taylor, who gained 201 yards on 45 carries with two touchdowns before having surgery. "It's been a process. Just trying to get back on the field. Whatever direction the staff feels I need to take so I can be ready, (I'll do it). Trust me, I want to get back more than anyone."

Like he is about injuries, Taylor is realistic about this team's needs. The 2007 Pro Bowler was rudely nicknamed "Fragile Fred" with the Jaguars for missing 23 out of 48 possible games from 1999 to 2001.

Rehabilitation is old news."