01:00 AM EST on Thursday, December 29, 2005

BY TOM E. CURRAN
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO -- The official word on Tedy Bruschi is that he's questionable to play in Sunday's regular-season finale because of a calf injury.

The Patriots inside linebacker, who was injured Monday night in the first quarter while blocking on a punt, wasn't in the locker room during the media access period yesterday, but the diagnosis comes as no major surprise. And chances are high that the Patriots will sit Bruschi and let him heal before the playoffs open next weekend.

If he doesn't play, Bruschi will likely be replaced inside by Monty Beisel, who had three tackles Sunday after replacing Bruschi. They were the first tackles Beisel had since Nov. 27, in Kansas City.

Asked about his work Monday, Beisel said he thought he did pretty well.

"We have quality depth on the team," said Beisel. "Anytime something does happen like that, it's important that guys come in and play well. We have to prepare well throughout the week and I think I did that."

Belichick said Beisel "did some good things; there are other things that he could have done better, but I think he did a solid job in there."

Mutual admiration society

Anytime Tom Brady is asked which defenders he holds in high regard, Miami defensive end/linebacker Jason Taylor is one of the first guys he mentions.

The feeling is mutual.

"I don't want to say he never ceases to amaze me because I shouldn't be surprised by some of the things he does," said Taylor. "He is that kind of player. When they came down here and played us earlier in the year they had everyone out. They were going through a lot and he held the team together and carried them, and he has done that all year. If he doesn't get some MVP votes, I don't know what this league is doing."

Taylor and Brady have established a solid off-field relationship despite their on-field rivalry.

"We really don't like each other. He knows I will break his neck if he doesn't say [I'm a tough defender]," Taylor joked. "No, we are friends. We have a good relationship and we talk a good bit. He is a good guy and a great player. I don't want to sit here and make him feel better than he already is, but he is a good dude. I like him."

Injury report

In addition to Bruschi, the following players were listed as probable for Sunday's game: running backs Corey Dillon (calf), Heath Evans (shoulder) and Patrick Pass (hamstring); tight ends Christian Fauria (foot) and Daniel Graham (shoulder); wide receiver Bethel Johnson (knee); tackle Nick Kaczur (shoulder); defensive end Jarvis Green (shoulder); safety Artrell Hawkins (thigh); and corner Asante Samuel (head). Brady, the only player listed on the injury report last week, is off the list entirely, while players such as Graham -- who didn't play against the Jets -- are on the report once again.