Seymour checks in

Defensive lineman Richard Seymour spoke with the media during Thursday’s access period (11:15-11:45 a.m. ET) and said the reason he didn’t play Sunday vs. the Bills was because he couldn’t perform at full speed.

Seymour remains questionable with a knee injury sustained while playing fullback against the Chargers on Oct. 2. He said the situation is “very similar” to what he experienced last season, when he was injured against the Jets Dec. 26 and didn’t return to action until the Super Bowl on Feb. 6

Seymour had returned to portions of practice in the past few weeks, but hasn’t been able to get over the hump.

“I was hoping to play last week and things didn’t happen the way I wanted to,” he said while standing in front of his locker. “Emotionally, I was ready to go, but my body didn’t respond the way I would like to.

“It was a point where I couldn’t go full speed like I would want to. The type of player I try to be, I try to be explosive and use some of those abilities. Really, I just would have been in the way. And I don’t want to be out there in the way.”

Seymour didn’t reveal if he would be ready to play against the Colts. Asked if he was upset that he hurt his knee playing fullback –- not his natural position –- Seymour politely told the media crowd “you’re asking the wrong guy, I don’t make decisions, I just go out and play. Coaches coach and players play.”

BELICHICK BITS: Head coach Bill Belichick held his regular scheduled Thursday press conference (10:45 a.m. ET). Topics of discussion varied, with one of the more interesting aspects when Belichick said the Colts’ defensive system is about as different from the Patriots as possible. Belichick said he felt the Colts’ No. 1 criteria was quickness.

PERSONNEL NOTES: Frank Murtha, the agent for running back Olandis Gary, said he wasn’t expecting the Patriots to sign his client before the Colts’ game. Gary worked out for the Patriots on Tuesday … Brian Levy, the agent for free-agent running back Charlie Garner, said the Patriots had his client in for a tryout a few weeks ago … Former Patriots linebacker Wesly Mallard worked out for the Buccaneers earlier this week … Wide receiver Jason Anderson, who was with the Patriots in training camp, was released off the Vikings practice squad.

Looking ahead, we’ll plan on posting another update after the team’s Thursday practice and scheduled conference calls with Colts head coach Tony Dungy and defensive end Dwight Freeney.

–Mike