Talib: Hip just a 'day-to-day injury'

Sounding a cautious tone three days before a potential matchup with Randy Moss, Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib said Thursday that he's doing his best to be ready to play against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday night at Gillette Stadium after suffering a hip injury late in the first half of Monday's win over the Texans.

"Just [a] day-to-day injury," Talib told reporters after practice Thursday. "[Just] working hard three times a day trying to get healthy."

Talib said he didn't know exactly when the injury occurred but he injured himself breaking up a Matt Schaub pass over the middle intended for Andre Johnson. He was on the ground for several minutes before getting up on his feet and slowly walking off the field under his own power. He went to the locker room just before halftime and returned to the sideline early in the second half but did not get back in the game, with his work limited to an exercise bike.

Before taking part in Thursday's practice, Talib was limited on Wednesday's official injury report from practice, which was only a walk-through.

Talib said his comfort level continues to grow with his teammates in the Patriots secondary.

"You put yourself in any setting, the longer you'll be there, the more comfortable you get. So, definitely, I feel a lot more comfortable," Talib said.

Talib was asked about his coverage on Johnson on Monday night, which mostly included shadow coverage for the whole first half.

"If you weren't fired up for that game, I don't know what to tell you," Talib said. "But I just do what coach asks me to do. I'm going to be fired up whatever he asks me to do though."

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