Hochstein injury may limit the option play

FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots' depth on the offensive line took a hit within the last week, when versatile backup Russ Hochstein injured his knee in practice. Hochstein missed practice late last week and yesterday, and he isn't likely to be back for tomorrow's workout.

Hochstein, a six-year veteran, backs up at both guard and center. His ability to play different spots allows the Patriots to activate just seven linemen on the 45-man game-day roster.

Hochstein's health could factor into how the team fills the final spot on its 53-man roster, which is currently vacant.

If the team promotes from within to address the situation, practice squad lineman Billy Yates, a third-year veteran, is a likely candidate. The Patriots are paying the 6-foot-2-inch, 305-pound Yates as if he were on the roster, giving him a one-year, $425,000 deal.

``It makes you feel appreciated," said Yates. ``It doesn't matter what your status is, your title doesn't make you who you are. I feel like I've grown here as a player."

As for Hochstein, coach Bill Belichick lauded him last week as a player who makes the most of his opportunities. One example came in the Oct. 8 victory over the Dolphins, when Hochstein was called on late in the game when the Patriots were attempting to run out the clock. He helped clear the way for a Laurence Maroney first-down run.

The NFL's trading deadline is 4 p.m. today, and Belichick said the Patriots' personnel department would be doing what it always does.

``I'm sure that every team in the league is having some type of conversation or information exchange," he said. ``I've been involved in those for many years. Sometimes you're working on something for a couple of weeks and it never happens. Other times, you're not really thinking about something and it comes together in a day or so."

The Patriots haven't struck a deadline deal in Belichick's time as coach, although he said the deadline is ``really no different than any other day. Every day of the year, all 365 of them, if we have an opportunity to improve our football team we'll do it."

Receiver Doug Gabriel was asked how a player like wideout Randy Moss -- his former teammate with the Raiders -- might fit in New England. Moss has said he'd be open to a trade.

``I think he would be a fit in this offense, or anything," Gabriel said. ``I've said it a million times, if Randy was here, every other receiver would want to pick up their games 110 percent. When he came out there [to Oakland], he made me step my game up.

``Randy probably works harder than any person I know. He'll do whatever it takes."

Gabriel said he and Moss last spoke Saturday.

As of last night there had been no discussions between the Patriots and Raiders regarding Moss, and it appeared unlikely the Patriots would be making any deal.

Cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs have a mini-competition regarding interceptions.

``I don't want to be left behind," said Hobbs, who has yet to intercept a pass this season, while Samuel has two picks. ``I think it was the same way when I came in last year, and I got my picks, Asante would ask me how many I had. You could kind of tell that competition was coming up."

Hobbs finished last year with three interceptions and said he's looking for some charity from opposing offenses.

``I look around the league and I'm looking at all these guys getting Christmas gifts and I'm waiting for mine," Hobbs joked. ``I need someone to throw it directly to me. I think if you keep working hard, good plays happen."

Center Dan Koppen's five-year contract extension -- which could be worth $20 million and includes a $7.5 million signing bonus -- puts him among the top-five-paid players at his position in average salary.

Cleveland's LeCharles Bentley ($6 million per year) is the league's top-paid center, followed by the Vikings' Matt Birk ($4.25 million). Koppen, whose extension could average as much as $4 million per year with incentives, is part of the next group, with the Steelers' Jeff Hartings ($4 million) and the Bears' Olin Kreutz ($3.8 million).

Part of Koppen's signing bonus will be paid now, the remainder in January. The $7.5 million bonus is the second-largest in league history for a center, behind Bentley ($8.25 million). In addition, Koppen will be paid $12.5 million in the first three years of the deal.

Agents Rich Rosa and Tony Agnone of Eastern Athletic Services negotiated the contract with Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli.

``It was pretty straightforward, and a lot of credit has to go to Scott, whose line of thinking was that Dan is a great player who the team drafted, and they wanted to keep him in-house," said Rosa. ``Dan is happy that the Krafts have given him the ability to stay a Patriot for the long haul."

Belichick said running back Patrick Pass, who is eligible to come off the physically unable to perform list, won't begin practicing with the team this week . . . Hobbs on how his injured left wrist is recovering: ``It's doing well. My scar has healed up. I'm getting all the full motion back in it. I wear the cast as more of a protection thing right now. I'm on the road to recovery." . . . Samuel said run support was one area of his game that he hoped to improve this season. ``That was probably one of the weakest parts of my game," he said. ``In the offseason, I kind of focused on that, strengthened my upper body to be more aggressive in the run game. We take pride in being physical." . . . NESN reported that the Patriots are prepared to install a synthetic grass surface at Gillette Stadium prior to the Nov. 26 game against the Bears, although team officials didn't confirm that report. Spokesman Stacey James said the team has been in discussions for some time to improve the field, but a decision has yet to be announced.

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com; Christopher L. Gasper of the Globe staff contributed to this report