Patriots Devin McCourty will start his 200th career game, all with New England, on Thursday night. (AP photo)

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was in a Friday mood on Tuesday.

After all, it’s just a day from now that the Patriots will be back on the game field, hosting the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium in Thursday Night Football.

But it will be not only a huge game for the Patriots, but also a milestone for one of their players. Veteran safety and captain Devin McCourty will be starting his 200th career NFL game, all with the Patriots.

“Devin’s been a tremendous asset to this organization and me personally,” Belichick said. “He’s been the team captain, the leader of our defense, really since the day he got here even though he started off at corner and we moved him to safety. That was a transition that he made very well, and he’s played well for us in the kicking game. He was a high production kicking game player until recently. We’ve kind of pulled back a little bit on him.

“But his communication, his leadership, his work ethic, his training, on and off the field. We’re very fortunate to have him and have had him. He’s been a great asset to this organization.”

And a durable one. McCourty has not missed a game since 2015.

“I don’t know exactly how many other players can say that or whatever,” Belichick said. “But he trains hard. He works very hard. It’s not by accident. He puts in a lot of time, puts in a lot of training, is in top condition all the time. He takes care of himself and plays with good fundamentals which is another way to stay healthy.

“He plays with good solid fundamentals as a tackler and taking on blockers, things like that. Which is another good way to preserve on those hits if you do it the right way. Use your leverage, use your strength, he does that.”

ALLEN’S DANGEROUS LEGS

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has hurt the Patriot in the past not just with his arm, but with his legs. Belichick says the Patriot need to change that.

“Yeah, he’s very dangerous out of the pocket, he’s dangerous in the pocket,” he said. “So just team defense. Playing with our leverage, using our teammates help, them being where they need to be, being aggressive.

“He’s a hard guy to get and you can’t just stand there and watch him throw because he’ll throw it pretty good, too. So it’ll be a challenge for us.”

EXTENSION FOR TAVAI

The Patriots took care of a little bit of business Tuesday. Linebacker Jahlani Tavai was rewarded with a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension. Tavai has played nearly 53 percent of the snaps this season, filling an edge role as well as retreating in coverage.

The extension, according to ESPN, includes an $850,000 signing bonus. Belichick all but confirmed the signing at yesterday’s press conference.

“Yeah, of course,” he said when asked if Tavai’s play precipitated the move. “Performance, yeah. And his contract was up, that’s another reason. Or it’s going to be.”

Belichick said Tavai has “played a lot of football. He’s played on every down. Smart, versatile player that’s earned playing time.”

INJURY REPORT

Patriots who did not participate in Tuesday’s practice were running back Damien Harris (thigh), offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn (foot) and, new to the report, defensive back Jabrill Peppers due to an illness.

Limited were center David Andrews (thigh), tackle Yodny Cajuste (calf), defensive back Marcus Jones (ankle), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (shoulder), and corner Jalen Mills(groin).

One upgrade: receiver DeVante Parker had full participation after being limited Monday (knee).

The Bills had five players who did not participate. Von Miller (knee), obviously, as he is not expected to play Thursday; also tight end Quintin Morris (illness) and tackle Dion Dawkins (ankle). Two others — wideout Stefon Diggs and running back Taiwan Jones — did not participate yesterday for “Veteran Rest.”

Meanwhile, three who didn’t participate Monday due to illness — corner Dane Jackson, and safeties Damar Hamlin and Jaquan Johnson — were full participants yesterday. So was Allen with his right elbow issue.