Matt Light follow-up

FOXBOROUGH -- One of the top storylines entering Sunday's game against the Cardinals was the availability of starting left tackle Matt Light, who had injured his right shoulder the week before against the Raiders.

Light ended up starting and playing deep into the second quarter before he was replaced by backup Mark LeVoir with the Patriots holding a comfortable lead.

Considering that Light was spotted late last week having trouble putting on his shoulder pads, it was an effort that reflected his mental toughness. Speaking with reporters this morning at Gillette Stadium, Light indicated that he always planned to play.

"A big point last week was just being mentally prepared and being ready to go," he said. "That's the way it is this time of year. Everybody is beat up. You have to deal with it."

Light, now in his eighth season, was asked how difficult the mental challenge was to play through the injury.

"Not much," he responded. "When you've been around, you kind of know what to expect, it's not really that big of a deal. You're going to do what you have to do. Like I said, everybody is beat up right now. It comes down to how well you prepare and how well you put yourself in position to make those plays.

"This week will be pretty much the same. A lot of guys are here, working hard, staying late, doing what they have to do to get ready for this."

One Patriot battling through an injury, Richard Seymour, wasn't present in the locker room during the media-access session. Seymour hurt his back Sunday against the Cardinals and didn't finish the game.