BOCA RATON, Fla. — Getting cut is never a fun thing, but Dekoda Watson refused to feel sorry for himself when the Patriots released him following Week 3.

The veteran linebacker and special teamer instead used his time wisely — staying in shape and enjoying the newest member of his family.

“It’s been quite the journey, but [being released] is part of the business,’’ said Watson before practice Friday, three days after being re-signed by New England. “But overall, I count my blessings — and the biggest blessing is that I’ve played in the league for six years and I have a son now, going on six months. So I got to spend some quality time with him.’’

Quality time is exactly what the Patriots will be looking for from Watson with several mainstays, including linebacker Dont’a Hightower and defensive end Chandler Jones, ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. Additionally, defensive end/linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who also plays special teams, is questionable.

Watson said training on his own was not a problem because he loves to work out and plans to “be in shape for the rest of my life,’’ but he acknowledged football shape isn’t something you can simulate in the gym.

“It’s one thing to be in shape but football shape is a lot different,’’ said the 6-foot-2-inch, 245-pounder. “It’s one thing to actually work out to get ready for football but you’ll never be in football conditioning shape unless you’re playing football.’’

Coach Bill Belichick said Watson’s time in the organization was a big factor in bringing him back.

“He’s got a lot of experience. He was here in our system through the spring and training camp, so it’s not like we’re starting from scratch with him,’’ Belichick said. “There’s a familiarity with him and some of the other core guys on special teams in terms of the calls and communication, blocking techniques or coverage lanes and things like that. There is definitely a base to build from.’’

Safety precautions

With a playoff spot locked up regardless of the outcome Sunday, quarterback Tom Brady was asked if self-preservation ever comes to mind when he’s standing in the pocket.

“Absolutely, it’s really important,’’ said Brady. “I think every player, you always talk about making good decisions in the pocket as a quarterback and making good throws and so forth, some of it is knowing the journey is over and going down and not taking a . . . you know, you stand in there and take a huge hit and look tough and then be out for four games and not help your team win. It’s a long season and I think you’ve got to try to be smart about which ones you take and which ones you don’t.’’

Brady has been sacked 36 times this season, the third-highest total of his career.

Kids’ stuff

A pair of rookies have added some life to the Dolphins offense recently. Receiver DeVante Parker and running back Jay Ajayi have given fans in South Florida some hope for the future. “[Parker] is gaining confidence for sure,’’ said Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan. “He’s one of their trusted guys. They’re going to him in go-to situations, which means a lot. He’s somebody we didn’t have to worry about before [in Week 8] but we’re aware of him now.’’ Parker has 17 grabs for 339 yards in his last five games. Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch said of Ajayi, “I don’t know if I can pronounce his name, but the rook, he definitely has come on the scene and he’s a powerful, tough back.’’ For the record, it’s pronounced uh-JYE-ee . . . Brady is 6-7 vs. the Dolphins in Miami but has won nine of his last 11 overall vs. the Sons of Shula . . . While the Patriots have won seven straight AFC East titles, the Dolphins have missed the postseason seven straight times.