FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The mantra in the New England Patriots' locker room is "next man up."

With defensive end Chandler Jones reportedly sidelined for one month with a hip injury, that "next man up" could be rookie Zach Moore.

"Yeah, most definitely," Moore, a sixth-round pick, said when asked about his preparedness to step in. "But, it's kind of the philosophy out here, 'next man up.' Guys go down left and right.

"So you have to fit in where you can, take your opportunity because you never know when you could get another one. So just trying to stay prepared and go out to practice every day and show that I can step up and be there for the defense."

Moore said he doesn't put pressure on himself because he has great teammates around him, but he recognizes the magnitude of being a potential next man up.

"I do feel like I need to step up for my team so we can all strive toward the same goal," Moore said.

What makes this opportunity even more special for Moore is that he attended Simeon Academy in Chicago, and he and his family are Bears fans.

"Yeah they will be out here to cheer, definitely for the Patriots though," Moore said. "I was a big Bears fan growing up. Loved the defense. I still kind of am a Bears fan, I love the Bears. But, it's Pats Nation."

Moore grew up watching elite defensive players on the Bears, and now he has the chance to have a big role for the Patriots' defense in a game against his favorite childhood team.

"Growing up, definitely Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Julius Peppers, when he was there -- that's my favorite player in the NFL -- and Charles Tillman, he's an excellent player," Moore said.

Moore, who is a humble player from Division II Concordia-St. Paul, talked about being awestruck and the realization that he is going to be playing on the same field as Briggs, a player he looked up to as a kid.

"It's crazy when I think about it," Moore said. "I was actually today at practice when I was walking off the field. I was thinking at this time last year I was playing at a Division II college stadium in front of no more than like 1,000 people, so it was kind of a reality check.

"It's a blessing, a great opportunity. I'm very thankful to be here. I'm proud to be a Patriot and will try to do the best I can to get a win for the team."