Kevin Faulk Excited to Return to Field, Play Significant Role in Patriots' Offense

Kevin Faulk Excited to Return to Field, Play Significant Role in Patriots’ Offense

by Jeff Howe on Sun, Oct 30, 2011 at 10:47PM

PITTSBURGH — It's been a long 13 months for Patriots running back Kevin Faulk, so he was definitely excited to get back on the field Sunday against the Steelers.

Naturally, he wished his return came on better terms, as the Patriots fell to Pittsburgh, 25-17.

"At the beginning, it was a great feeling, but once you get going in the game, you're doing your job," Faulk said. "You're not worried about it being your first game back or whatever. You're just trying to win a football game and help your team win."

Faulk got the start and actually played an integral role in the offense, leading the team in rushing with six carries and 32 yards. He also had five receptions for 20 yards.

"[It was] great, he's such a sparkplug for the offense," quarterback Tom Brady said. "He does so many things well. For a guy who hadn't played football for a year, it certainly didn't look like it. He played well, played hard, made some big plays, running the ball, catching the ball. I'm sure he's going to be sore [Monday]. He took some big hits. But it's great to have him back."

Faulk, who wore a sleeve over his right knee, acknowledged he had some bumps and bruises after the game, but he wasn't as high on his performance as Brady was.

"I had a couple of mistakes in there, missed a blitz pickup, but at the same time, winning the game was the most important thing for me and this football team," Faulk said. "It might have been my first game back in 13 months, but winning the game was the most important, and we didn't do that."