FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been dealing with a very highly publicized left shoulder injury this week, but it hasn't changed Brian Hoyer's preparation for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills.
Hoyer, who hasn't attempted a regular-season pass since the 2010 finale, says he gets ready every week as if he's going to play all four quarters.
"I'm always preparing to play 60 minutes every week, so that's the thing about a backup quarterback — at a moment's notice, you can be called on," Hoyer said. "I'm always preparing like I'm the starter, and I think that takes care of everything else."
Hoyer's playing time Sunday will likely have more to do with the score than Brady's shoulder. Since the Patriots are trying to claim the AFC's No. 1 seed, the regulars are expected to play for as long as the outcome is undecided.
"You've got to be ready at all times," Hoyer said "My approach to it is to prepare like I'm going to play the whole game, and if I don't play, then I haven't lost anything. If I do play, I'm as prepared as I can be. Week in and week out, I've just got to prepare like I'm the starter."
