FOXBORO, Mass. (WHDH) -- Wes Welker was back on the Patriots' practice field Friday, catching footballs for the first time this week after spraining his ankle against the Bills.

As important as Welker is to the Patriots offense, Reggie Wayne is even more crucial to Indy’s passing attack.

Catching the football is Reggie Wayne’s job and over his career, the Colts receiver has been putting in work knowing how the Patriots secondary gets down.

That’s not good news, but the Pats believe if they can step up, they can shut Reggie Wayne down.

The Colts shipped their legendary quarterback Peyton Manning to Denver, but his partner in crime remained.

During his 12-year career with the Colts, Reggie Wayne has had his share of highlights against the Patriots and as he celebrates his 34th birthday this weekend the Patriots will have the pleasure of trying to slow the old man down again -- because so far his age hasn't.

“So old, but still performing at a high level. The guy’s just a phenomenal receiver. He’s been doing it at a consistent basis for a long time now and it almost seems like he’s having his best year,” said Steve Gregory, Patriots safety.

The Patriots secondary plans to play better against Reggie Wayne and, according to Devin McCourty, the game plan is simple:

“We just got to limit the ball even touching his hands because if he touches it he will catch it,” said McCourty,

Easier said than done for a Pats secondary that's played inconsistently all year -- but believe when at their best, they can stop anyone.

“They have some weapons over there. We’re going to bring out our A game to contain them and slow those guys down,” Gregory said.

“Everyone’s going to say what they have to say but at the end of the day you just got to go out there and play well. I think we have a good game plan, now it’s just going out there and executing it,” said McCourty.

Sunday’s game could get personal after the Colts struggled last season. Reggie Wayne had the choice to play for New England -- a winning franchise -- but chose to stay in Indy.