Watson, Faulk join Wilfork for Patriots against Jets

Updated: January 7, 2007, 1:08 PM ET

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Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Nose tackle Vince Wilfork returned for the New England Patriots' first-round playoff game against the New York Jets on Sunday after missing three games with a sprained right ankle.


	Wilfork

Wilfork practiced more this week than in any of the past few after being injured in a 21-0 loss at Miami on Dec. 10. He's a key part of the Patriots' outstanding three-man defensive line that has helped hold teams to an average of 14.81 points per game during the regular season -- a franchise low that ranked second in the NFL to Baltimore (12.56).

Also back for the Patriots were tight end Benjamin Watson, who missed the last three games with a knee injury, and running back Kevin Faulk, who missed last Sunday's 40-23 win at Tennessee also with an injured knee.

One key player the Patriots were without was hard-hitting safety Rodney Harrison, who injured his right knee when he was blocked in the second quarter last Sunday by Tennessee wide receiver Bobby Wade.


	Dyson

New York cornerback Andre Dyson, who missed the regular-season finale against Oakland with an injured right knee, was back in the starting lineup for the Jets. Dyson was limited in practice last week with a noticeable limp, but was more active this week and appeared more mobile.

Running back Kevan Barlow was inactive for the second straight game for the Jets, and for the fifth time in six games. Cedric Houston and rookie Leon Washington were expected to split carries against the Patriots.