NFL Nation

          Patriots WR Chris Hogan defines thigh injury as 'minor'

          FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan left the team's 34-16 victory over the Houston Texans in the second half with a thigh injury, sparking a question about how it might affect his availability and/or effectiveness in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

          Hogan doesn't sound concerned.

          "I'm feeling good. I just had a little minor setback in the game, but I'm working back every single day, feeling better every day," Hogan said Tuesday afternoon in the locker room after players broke from their meetings.

          Hogan, who totaled 38 receptions for 680 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season, had left the sideline in the second half for further evaluation before returning in uniform to join his teammates.

          "I think there was [a chance to come back] if I had to get back in there, but with the training staff and coaches, it was the right decision not to," he said.

          Hogan has consistently paired with Julian Edelman in the team's two-receiver package, while also contributing on the kickoff return unit in a blocking capacity. As for how the thigh injury might affect him his preparation for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he said, "I'm just going to go day-by-day, come in here tomorrow, and everything has been feeling better day-by-day. I'm looking forward to getting out there and practicing this week."

          In addition to Hogan, the Patriots will be monitoring the health of rookie receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who has missed the past two games with a knee injury but might be on the cusp of a return.