Dillon pondering a comeback

INDIANAPOLIS - Corey Dillon is readying for a second run with the Patriots.

Dillon, who retired following last year after 10 seasons in the NFL and three with the Patriots, has been working out with a trainer near his home in Calabasas, Calif.

Dillon's agent, Steve Feldman, said that the 33-year-old Dillon began working out after running back Sammy Morris injured a bone in his chest against the Cowboys Oct. 14. The Patriots put Morris on injured reserve Friday, ending his season and possibly opening the door for a midseason return by Dillon.

"He decided that no one knew what the prognosis would be with Sammy and that in case it turned out to be a long-term thing, he wanted to be prepared for the Patriots' call," said Feldman. "He started working out 2 1/2 weeks ago."

Feldman said Dillon is still close with many of his former Patriots teammates and they encouraged him to consider coming out of retirement.

"When Sammy Morris went down, the phone calls from his teammates intensified," said Feldman. "I think he felt a real twinge towards his teammates. We've had calls all season from teams and the only team he would even consider coming back for was the Patriots."

Even though he split time with Laurence Maroney, Dillon was still the Patriots' leading rusher last season with 812 yards on 199 carries and he scored a team-high 13 touchdowns.

When he retired, Dillon ranked 14th on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 11,241 yards. He ran for a career-high 1,635 in his first season with the Patriots, 2004, and captured his only Super Bowl ring.

Feldman said Dillon would not be looking to play beyond this season. "It would be just for this season, just to assist his teammates in a time of need," he said.

For now, the interest seems to be mostly from Dillon's side, but that could change.

"If they think Corey could assist in their run for a championship, I'm sure they'll give us a call," Feldman said.

Ventrone plugged in

The Patriots filled the roster spot created when Morris was placed on injured reserve by promoting safety Ray Ventrone from the practice squad. The move gives the Patriots an additional defensive back and special teams contributor, with safety Eugene Wilson (ankle) and linebacker Eric Alexander (knee) downgraded to out for today's game against the Colts . . . Tight end Benjamin Watson appears poised for a return to action. Watson, who has missed the last two games after injuring his left ankle during the win over Dallas, was not downgraded from questionable. Watson practiced Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday. His presence would give the Patriots yet another weapon against the Colts. When he went down, Watson was second on the team in touchdown receptions with five.

Playing their part

There's nothing like the real thing, but that's exactly what the Patriots' scout team tries to simulate each week. It's interesting to note some of the Patriots' choices to imitate Indianapolis players. Wide receiver Kelley Washington played Colts tight end Dallas Clark; practice squad wide receiver C.J. Jones played Marvin Harrison; second-year wide receiver Chad Jackson, who is on the physically unable to perform list, was Reggie Wayne; and practice squad wide receiver Bam Childress played running back Joseph Addai. Cornerback Ellis Hobbs said, "If there was a scout team league, I think we would be No. 1 in that league because our guys take so much pride."

Guard duty

Last week against Washington, Maroney caught two passes for 37 yards - his first receptions of the season. For a running back involved in the passing game, pass protection is as important as receptions. "I take a lot of pride in that because - don't tell Tom [ Brady] - but I don't think he can take too many hits," said Maroney. "I'm going to make sure that I don't get him hit." . . . Brady can break one of Peyton Manning's records today. Brady, who is chasing Manning's season TD toss mark of 49, set in 2004, can establish a record for consecutive games with three or more touchdown passes if he does it for the ninth straight game.

Mike Reiss of the Globe staff contributed to this report