Patriots reap health benefits of time off during bye week

By Michael Vega

Globe Staff / January 11, 2013

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Of the eight teams remaining in the playoffs, the Patriots are the only one to have all 22 of its Week 1 starters still on the active roster.

“That’s a credit to our strength coach and our training staff for keeping us on the field,’’ said running back Stevan Ridley. “It’ll help us roll into the playoffs, hopefully, with our best team and our key guys.’’

While the team’s improved health was related to the bye, it was also attributable to the time of the season: playoff time.

“Everybody feels great this time of year — everybody,’’ said cornerback Kyle Arrington, who a year ago was hampered by a foot injury and was questionable for the playoff game against the Broncos. “I’m just saying, it’s playoff time and it’s time to go. It’s time to give it all you got.’’

So, nothing hurts at this time of year?

“If it does, then you’re not as concerned,’’ Arrington said. “It’s playoff time and you take it one game at a time, of course, but we are coming down the homestretch and everyone is going to give it all they have.’’

Michael Whitmer of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Michael Vega can be reached at vega@globe.com.