Hochstein will replace Woody at left guard. He's in his third year out of Nebraska and has played in 17 career games, 15 this season filling in at both guard positions, including the past two games. His first and only career start came in Week 4 at Washington, when Woody was out with a knee injury. That placed Hochstein among the 43 players who have started for New England this season, one that's been all about stepping in and stepping up.
"Whether [Woody is] in there or whether he's not, I think this team has proven that we kind of move on, and the guys that fill those spots are very capable," Tom Brady said yesterday. "We've done that all year. Damien plays at a Pro Bowl level, and he was in the Pro Bowl last year. He's a great offensive lineman. He's strong, powerful, very athletic, so to lose a guy like that with the experience and confidence that he has, I don't think you really replace someone like that. I think we have guys that can obviously step in."
"There's no one here collecting a backup-role check," right guard Joe Andruzzi said. "People know their roles and, when called upon, know what has to be done."
Woody was not in the locker room during yesterday's media availability period. Hochstein, meanwhile, tried to keep a low profile. "I'm just trying to do my part, fill in where I can," he said. "Looks like I may be doing that at the left [guard] spot. Just trying to work hard and make sure I do everything right, fill in, and do my best."
The Patriots will send out a different starting offensive line for the first time since Week 4 -- their last loss. Three-fifths of the line that will start Sunday did not start the regular-season opener.
New England is down to seven healthy offensive linemen: left tackle Matt Light, Hochstein, center Dan Koppen, Andruzzi, right tackle Tom Ashworth, reserve guard Wilbert Brown and tackle Brandon Gorin. Brown, claimed off waivers from the Redskins Sept. 22, likely will be active Sunday for the first time since Week 6 against the New York Giants.
