Hernandez feels ‘pretty good’, hopes to return

By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com Celtics Insider
Follow @sherrodbcsnFOXBOROThere's nothing quite like Raiders Nation, something the New England Patriots will experience first-hand on Sunday.

But you'll have to forgive Aaron Hernandez if his mind seems to be elsewhere -- like on the left knee MCL sprain injury he suffered against San Diego on September 19.

The injury kept him out of last Sunday's 34-31 loss at Buffalo, and it is expected to sideline him for at least three more weeks.

But Hernandez hinted that a return to action may be coming sooner -- like this week, against the Oakland Raiders.

"Hopefully I can make it back this week," Hernandez said. "I feel pretty good."

Without Hernandez, the Patriots are without one of there more versatile receivers who seems to have a mismatch whenever he's on the field.

When teams try to match up smaller players who can run with him, Hernandez uses his size and strength to get open. And when bigger players try to limit him, they get burned.