FOXBORO -- Wes Welker probably has some ugly memories from the last time New England played the Texans.
It's not the fact that his team lost that game, the 2009 regular-season finale. No, it's that Welker tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee that day.
This Friday, he was prompted to remember.
"I try not to think about it too much. I appreciate you bringing that up," he said sardonically. "But I've just moved on from it, and worked hard to get better, and luckily I am where I'm at today."
Welker's production in New England -- both before and after the injury -- is remarkable.
He's led the league in receiving three different times since joining the Patriots in 2007. With eight more catches in 2012, he'll become the first receiver in NFL history to have 100 or more in five seasons.
Can he appreciate the milestone upon approach? Not really.
"Maybe when I'm done," Welker guessed. "Right now I'm just focused on however many catches I need to get to help us win. Whatever that is is what it is.
"I'm really just trying to move forward. I don't really think about the past all that much. What's done is done. We just continue to get better and try to win."
When the Patriots take on Houston this time, they will already be dealing with not one, but two significant injuries to the receiving corps: Tight end Rob Gronkowski, who suffered a broken forearm November 18 against the Colts, and Julian Edelman, who left last week's Miami game because of a season-ending foot fracture.
New England has since re-signed Donte' Stallworth, but the weight on Welker's shoulders could still be heavier than usual. Whereas he averaged 9.25 targets through the first four games of the season, he's gotten 12.5 through the last four.
He doesn't worry about the way the numbers rise and fall. Welker's concern is that when quarterback Tom Brady needs a target, somebody is there.
"I think it puts pressure on everybody. Everybody has to come out, everybody has to step up and come out and play the way we need to to win the game."
A victory against Houston, whether with two catches or 10, is all Welker wants this week.
It would certainly make for better memories.