Patriots go head to head with Baltimore Ravens

BALTIMORE, MD (WHDH) -- The Patriots are in Baltimore to play the Ravens on Sunday, but will have to do without tight end, Aaron Hernandez.

All eyes will be on Wes Welker, who quarterback, Tom Brady, calls a great friend and a great receiver.

But, Welker caught just three passes in the season opener.

It was certainly noticed in week one and more so in week 2 when Julian Edelman appeared to supplant Welker as the number two receiver, but the Patriots and even Welker don't seem to be concerned.

“Obviously I want to be out there as much as possible. So, however I can contribute to help us win, that's my job,” said Welker.

“I love Wes and he’s a great player on this team and has been since the day he arrived. So, nothing is changing in my mind,” said Brady.

A look inside Bill Belichick's mind might clarify the situation. But Aaron Hernandez's injury might alleviate the situation, at least temporarily, likely forcing the Patriots to use Welker more as they did against the Cardinals.

“I think we all just go out there and try to do our jobs to the best of our ability and whenever you’re called upon you go out there and you do that and I think everybody’s going to have to pick up the slack with Aaron being out,” said Welker.

The Patriots will play the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Sunday. Kickoff will likely be at 8:20 p.m.