Belichick says Welker’s ‘deliberate’ hit caused injury

Talib, named to the 2013 All-Pro team, suffered no structural damage in his knee in the collision with former teammate Wes Welker. Talib left the game with what was initially announced by the Patriots as a rib injury. The Patriots said 10 minutes later Talib suffered a knee injury.

Welker said he did not intend to injure or “take out” Talib on the pick play, designed for criss-crossing receivers to slow up trailing coverage defenders.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick disagreed vehemently Monday with Welker’s innocent plea.

“I was asked about the hit on (Aqib) Talib and I feel badly for Aqib the way that play turned out,” Belichick said Monday morning at the team facility. “I went back and watched it, which I didn’t have a chance to do yesterday. I think it was a deliberate play by the receiver to take out Aqib; no attempt to get open. I’ll let the league handle the discipline on that play; it’s not for me to decide, but it’s one of the worst plays I’ve seen.”

Broncos head coach John Fox said Monday that he wasn’t prepared to comment without seeing Belichick’s comments for himself. He also said he didn’t review the game film from the AFC Championship.

“I know Wes Welker is a great player, high integrity,” Fox said. “He did not do anything with intent (to injure).”

Talib is an unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year deal with the Patriots last offseason. He played in 13 regular-season games, missing three with a hip injury.