By Randy Whitehouse,Staff Writer

FOXBORO – Rodney Harrison seemed to know what he was going to be asked even before reporters and cameras started swarming his locker Thursday.

With 10 days of hype left before Super Bowl XXXIX kicks off, Harrison was hoping to nip at least one subject in the bud.

“This is all I’m going to say about T.O.,” the New England Patriots safety said referring to injured Eagles’ wide receiver Terrell Owens, “If he’s healthy, he’s going to play. We’re preparing for him as if he’s going to play. It’s not going to change my preparation.”

One might think the Patriots are preparing for the hundreds of times they’ll be asked about T.O. and other topics, related to the game or not, especially when they get down to Jacksonville on Sunday. But the players say the hype is the least of their concerns.

“None of that’s important,” said wide receiver David Patten. “The bottom line is if we get this far and we don’t come away with a win, it’s all for nothing.”

After taking two days off, New England’s players returned to Gillette Stadium Thursday for their first official day of practice for their match-up with the Philadelphia Eagles.

A larger-than-usual media contingent quizzed the Patriots on everything from the advantages of playing in their third Super Bowl in four years to the team’s accommodations in Jacksonville. But the biggest topic of the day was Owens, who’s status for the game is up in the air as he recovers from an ankle injury.

“I think you have to (prepare for him),” said linebacker Rosevelt Colvin. “The guy’s on the active roster. He’s not on injured reserve, so you’ve got to go out there and get yourself ready for whoever they may put out there, regardless of whether it’s T.O. or another wide receiver or a running back.”

“We’re not going to wait for kickoff,” said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. “We’re going to prepare for the game assuming everyone is there.”

There’s no doubt about Donovan McNabb’s availability. The Philadelphia quarterback is a healthy, multi-talented threat who will test New England’s ninth-ranked defense.

“He’s a very versatile guy,” Harrison said. “He can throw the ball down the field. He can scramble. He’s tough, smart, makes play. He has an inner-fighter in him that won’t stop. We have a lot of respect for McNabb and we know what he can do.”

Belichick’s biggest concern appears to be McNabb’s big-play capability.

“One of the things that kills you with a player like Donovan is giving up a 60-yarder or a 70-yarder, and that can come in a lot of different ways,” Belichick said. “As much as anything, you want to just not give it to him all in one play, and that’s a lot easier said than done.”

New England’s offense made it look pretty easy last week against the NFL’s top-rated defense, putting up 41 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. The Eagles were right behind the Patriots in total defense this year, finishing 10th overall.

The defense is led by a hard-hitting secondary featuring safety Brian Dawkins. The front seven has improved against the run since Jeremiah Trotter took over for Mark Simoneau at middle linebacker midway through the season. And the pass rush has emerged as one of the league’s best with the addition of defensive end Jevon Kearse.

Philadelphia’s defense has consistently ranked among the toughest since Jim Johnson became defensive coordinator in 2000. Under Johnson over the last five years, the Eagles have had the most sacks and the best red zone TD percentage and third-down efficiency in the league. They have also given up the fewest points and have held opponents to 17 points or less in more than 61 percent of their games.

“That’s another team that ranks up there at the top of the league,” said tackle Matt Light. “Any category you want to pick, that Philly defense, they have a stat in the record books, so it’s going to be tough.”