NFL Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Wes Welker Wants to Play

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.—Just one year ago, the New England Patriots were battling the Houston Texans in what was called a "meaningless" game. 

The Patriots had already clinched their position in the playoffs and they could not improve or hurt their seed, so the game was said to be "meaningless."

In this "meaningless" game, Patriots receiver Wes Welker had a career-altering moment.

Welker tore his ACL.

Welker had an amazing rehab and didn't miss a game this season with an injury that some people say takes one year to recover from. Well, it's the one-year point and Welker is sitting with 86 receptions and seven touchdowns. 

With all the speculation around the team's Week 17 matchup with Miami, because the Patriots can no longer improve their seed in the AFC, the question is, should Welker play?

Well, Welker wants to play.

“I’m here to play football and that’s what I prepare to do every single week,” Welker told the media Thursday. “That’s my game plan going into this week.”

New England (13-2) will host the Miami Dolphins (7-8) this Sunday in Foxborough at 1 P.M. 

This article was first seen on Sports Haze.

Tony Santorsa is Sports Haze's AFC East Beat Writer. You can read more sports stories at www.SportsHaze.com. You can also follow Tony via Twitter @SH_TSantorsa