New England Patriots defensive tackle Tommy Kelly is aware that teams will try to run the ball at his side's defense following an injury to Vince Wilfork.

Wilfork was ruled out for the season after tearing his Achilles in his side's win over the Atlanta Falcons last week.

Kelly has admitted that teams will now look to take advantage of the Patriots' loss of the All-Pro by running the ball at them, but he insists that they are up to the challenge.

"I'm sure they're going to try to run the ball more," Kelly told the Boston Herald.

"I mean, we're lighter up front now. Take Vince out, I mean, I'd try to run the ball more. That's being smart, but I think we're more than capable of handling the job."

The Patriots face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.