FOXBOROUGH - Rashad Baker is close friends with Bills cornerback Jabari Greer. They were roommates at the University of Tennessee and played together in Buffalo, so Baker gave Greer some good-natured ribbing for being on the wrong end of Randy Moss's highlight-reel catch in the teams' first meeting, a 38-7 Patriots win Sept. 23.
"Yeah, I did, but you know Randy is a good player," said Baker, who has not spoken to Greer recently. "There's not too much you can do or say about a situation like that. Jabari is a good defensive back and Randy goes up against good defensive backs every week. A situation like that, you just got to be able to bounce back."
Baker, who will face his former team tomorrow night at Ralph Wilson Stadium, has done a good job of bouncing back since being released by the Bills in 2006. After spending a few months with the Vikings, Baker was signed by the Patriots last year. He was active for five games last season for the Patriots and has matched that total this year.
The undrafted free agent played 17 of 65 snaps in the Patriots' 24-20 win over the Colts Nov. 4 and was credited with two tackles and a special teams tackle.
"I like to look at it like I'm a role player on this team," said Baker. "I like to be ready in every situation. My number was called for that game and I just prepared myself like I was going to be the starter, like I was going to play, because you never know what's going to happen."
Even before he stepped on the field, Baker had helped the Patriots. He earned a black jersey as a practice player of the week for simulating Colts safety Bob Sanders.
"He gave us a real good look for Sanders, especially coming in and stopping the run," said wide receiver Kelley Washington.
Baker said that returning to Buffalo, where he spent the first two years of his career, is not extra motivation.
"The times that I had there were good, but I'm really liking this situation of being a Patriot," Baker said.
Bills' Lynch doubtful
It's looking almost certain that Bills rookie running back Marshawn Lynch is going to be grounded for tomorrow's game. Lynch didn't practice this week and is listed as doubtful with a left ankle injury. According to buffalobills.com, the team's website, coach Dick Jauron said Lynch's ankle has been in an immobilizer boot all week.Lynch has scored six of the Bills' 14 touchdowns and accounted for 871 of their 2,415 total yards.
"He's played tremendously well and has gotten the tough yards for us when we've needed them," said general manager Marv Levy earlier this week.
Lynch's primary replacements would be veteran Anthony Thomas, who has 10 carries for 12 yards, and rookie Dwayne Wright, who has 25 rushes for 76 yards.
Tight end Robert Royal (concussion) and defensive end Aaron Schobel (illness) were listed as probable for the Bills.
Mitchell returns
Patriots safety and special teams ace Mel Mitchell returned to practice and was removed from the injury report. Mitchell has missed the last four games with a groin injury.Safety Eugene Wilson (ankle) and linebacker Eric Alexander (knee) did not practice all week.
The Patriots had six players listed as questionable, including Alexander and Wilson. The others: guard Stephen Neal (shoulder), linebacker Mike Vrabel (team decision), wide receiver Wes Welker (team decision), and cornerback Eddie Jackson (knee). Tom Brady (right shoulder) is probable, as always.
Doing what he's told
With receiver Chad Jackson looking like he could make his season debut tomorrow, it could get even harder for Washington to find playing time on offense."I just do what they ask me," said Washington. "They haven't really asked me to play too much receiver. The guys have done a good job, so I just give them a good look on scout team and bust my tail on special teams."
