Aaron Hernandez Hopes to Play Against Raiders Despite Knee Injury

FOXBORO, Mass. — Tight end Aaron Hernandez said he's hoping to get back onto the field this weekend when the Patriots play the Raiders, but he offered no guarantees.

Hernandez injured his knee in Week 2 against the Chargers and didn't practice last week before missing Sunday's game in Buffalo.

"I'm just trying to get back, get healthy and try to make it back for this week," Hernandez said Wednesday.

The second-year tight end has 14 receptions, 165 yards and two touchdowns in two games, and his progression this season has been impressive. Quarterback Tom Brady has showed an increasing amount of reliance in Hernandez, particularly when the pocket collapses and Brady needs to quickly unload the ball.

After suffering the injury, reports indicated Hernandez could be out anywhere between one and six weeks.

"I feel pretty good," Hernandez said. "I just take it day by day, work with the trainers and try to get back as soon as possible."