FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez is hip to the idea of making his playoff debut this weekend.
The youngest player in the NFL — he turned 21 on Nov. 6, the day before the Pats' Week 9 loss to the Browns — missed the last two games of the regular season with a hip injury, and he didn't practice during New England's first-round bye.
However, Hernandez has been present for all four practices this week, even if only in a limited capacity, and he said Friday he's all set to play Sunday against the Jets.
"I feel great," said Hernandez, who admitted the bye week helped him get healthier. "The hip is feeling good. I had a good week of practice, and I'm ready to go."
Hernandez was third on the Patriots with 45 receptions, 563 yards and six touchdowns. In two games against the Jets, Hernandez had nine catches for 152 yards and one score, and he's ready to do it again on a bigger stage.
"It's time to make plays," Hernandez said. "Give it your all, or you're going home. There's no tomorrow, so we've got to leave it all out on the field. The intensity is picking up, and the game is going to be faster. I'm ready to see what happens.
"I feel honored just to be out here. To be in a big game like this, it's special. I'm too excited to play."
