Patriots coach Bill Belichick said yesterday he didn't think Moss would let all the hype of a return get in the way of a good performance. Belichick also didn't feel there was a need to chat with Moss about the subject. Instead, Belichick has talked to Moss about Raiders personnel.

``Randy's pretty professional. He's one of the most professional guys we have,'' Belichick said. ``I'm not really too concerned about (his emotions). But I have talked to Randy about specific players, about their skills, about their strengths and weaknesses and that kind of thing. We've had those discussions, relative to preparing for the Raiders.

``We've all played teams we've been on before.''

Given the Oakland defense employs plenty of man-to-man coverage, much like the Seahawks did in Sunday's 24-21 Pats victory in Seattle, Moss undoubtedly will be looking to have a big game.

One of the featured matchups likely will have Moss going against Nnamdi Asomugha, who is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Asomugha doesn't typically play on Moss' side, but don't be surprised if Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan moves him across the field.

Thin at LB

If indeed Tedy Bruschi does wind up on injured reserve because of the knee injury he sustained in Seattle, the Pats again would have to dig deep to find some help. Last week, two linebackers familiar with the system - Rosevelt Colvin and Junior Seau - went from watching at home to playing on Sunday.

The possibility exists that there might be another blast from the past.

Matt Chatham comes to mind. He knows the system from playing with both the Pats and Jets - and he was in Foxboro recently for a workout.

Beyond Chatham, it's hard to figure what the Pats might have up their sleeve. Given the expected time frame for a Bruschi return, which is around a month, the Pats won't officially IR him until they another option.

Belichick indicated the team is not hampered by being away from home, in terms of conducting tryouts or workouts.

``We could do what we normally do,'' Belichick said. ``It just wouldn't be as expedient. The process might take a little longer, but (being here) wouldn't restrict us.''

All eight players from the practice squad will practice with the team today. Normally, those players don't travel, but given the injury situation - Bruschi, defensive end Ty Warren (groin), nose tackle Vince Wilfork (shoulder), safety James Sanders (ribs) - it's all hands on deck.

Read the Patriots Point After at bostonherald.com.