Welker talks about Clark hit, doesn't expect apology

FOXBOROUGH – Patriots receiver Wes Welker spoke with reporters this morning at Gillette Stadium and a primary topic of discussion was the hit he took from Steelers safety Ryan Clark.

The Q&A:

Logan Mankins told reporters that you said you didn’t feel anything on that hit from Clark. Is that right?
“Well, we were just kind of joking around here in the locker room, and stuff like that. It’s what it is.”

Did you have a chance to look at the hit and see it on film?
“Yeah, I’ve seen it.”

What were your thoughts on it? Did you feel like it was above board?
“You know, it was a football play. The ball got tipped and you know, he came in and made a good play.”

Are there any physical problems you’re feeling due to the hit?
“Like any other hit, you just take it in stride and make sure you’re getting ready for the next opportunity you have to get back out there.”

Have you been hit much like that?
“Yeah, it’s football. You get hit a lot, so that’s the way it is.”

Did you feel it was important to pop up right away and show you weren’t hurt?
“I just get up with how I feel. I was able to get up so that’s what I did.”

What about your personal preparations? Do you feel ready to go this week?
“That’s the way I prepare, to make sure I prepare like I’m ready to play, and do everything I can to get out there on the field.”

At this stage, do you feel you’re ready to go?
“We’ll just have to see. That’s up to the doctors and everybody else, the coaches, on whether I’m ready to play or not.”

Did you see Clark coming at all?
“Did it look like I saw Clark coming? [laughter].”

Have you taken more of those hits this year than in years past?
“The hit was the hit. It is what it is. It’s kind of a dead issue to me now. We’re on to Seattle now, and making sure we’re getting ready for that.”

Will that be in the back of your mind the next time you go over the middle?
“You just have to do your job. You’re going to take hits, and you have to make sure you’re bouncing back and getting ready the next time, and hopefully have some better luck the next time you go across the middle.”

After the game, Ryan Clark said he tried to reach you for an apology. Did he ever get a hold of you?
“No. I mean, I don’t really expect him to. It’s a football play. It is what it is. No sense in crying or whining about it. You just have to keep on moving on and get ready for the next week.”