Faulk puts aside the hurt

FOXBOROUGH -- More than two months have passed since the Patriots' loss to the Colts in the AFC Championship game, yet running back Kevin Faulk still gets asked the question: What happened to you?

Faulk, a fixture in the team's two-minute offense and an effective change-of-pace runner, played in just 10 of the team's 59 offensive snaps that day, the result of a knee injury sustained on a first-quarter running play.

Faulk attempted to return early in the second half, but felt he was jeopardizing the team's chances. He now feels healthy again and has been hard at work in the Patriots' offseason program, saying the "hurtful" AFC Championship setback has served as motivation as he prepares for his ninth season.

"Of course, it's in the back of your mind," he said. "Maybe that extra rep in the weight room that you don't want to do, you're firing it up."

Faulk, whose 43 receptions tied for third on the team last season, believes the Patriots can be successful with a reshuffled deck in the backfield. His friend, Corey Dillon, is not returning, and free agent Sammy Morris was added to the mix that includes Heath Evans. It looks as if free agent Patrick Pass won't be back, while Laurence Maroney, who split carries with Dillon last season, projects to handle more of the duties in 2007.

"If he has to take more of the load, there is no doubt in my mind he can do it," Faulk said of Maroney, who had offseason shoulder surgery. "The thing about it is that he wants to be that guy for you. He is a competitor.

"Change happens all the time, but I don't see the group being different. Sammy seems like a great guy, so the thing will be finding how we all fit in, seeing what our niche will be as a running back group."

Faulk's niche is well established as a key contributor, specifically in the passing game on third down. He realizes this is an important time of year for him to prolong his career, as his 5-foot-8-inch, 202-pound frame has taken a pounding over eight seasons.

"When you first come in and start playing, you begin to realize how intense and emotionally and physically tough the game is each year, so you just try to stay on top of things as best you can," he said.

Coach Bill Belichick told NBCSports.com that receiver Troy Brown is in the team's plans for 2007. "I expect Troy to have a role with us this year as far as I'm concerned. He is part of the plan for next season," he said . . . As part of their predraft scouting, the Patriots were scheduled to work out quarterback Toby Korrodi yesterday. The lefthanded Korrodi (6-4, 230) is a Division 2 prospect from Central Missouri State who registered the highest throwing velocity at the NFL combine last month.

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.