FOXBORO -- Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork will return to action this Sunday after a three game absence.

He said that it has been difficult for him watching from the sidelines.

"It's been tough," Wilfork said. "I want to play football, but sometimes you have to take a seat and get healthy. And that's where I was. I'm looking forward to this week, I feel a lot better, so I'm looking forward to this week."

Wilfork said that everyone has been doing everything they can to make sure that they will be at his best this Sunday, not just him.

"I think everybody's taken it upon themselves to do everything they can to get ready with the film study, with the extra rest, taking care of their bodies and stuff like that. I still see guys around here a long time, that's a good sign -- even if it's just getting treatment or getting in the hot tub or cold tub, if it's in the film room, in the weight room, guys are starting to step their level up. And we're going to need that. But everything starts with preparation and -- so far -- I think we're off to a good start."