If Asked, Pat QB Eason Will Play

Boston--New England Patriots quarterback Tony Eason, activated even though he hasn't recovered fully from a hand problem, probably will play Sunday if asked, his agent said yesterday.

Eason had said he was considering refusing to play even though the NFL team put him on its 47-man roster Wednesday after he had spent the entire season on injured reserve.

New England must name 45 players to be available in Sunday's game against the Bills in Buffalo and put two others on the inactive list.

After several discussions with Patriots' General Manager Patrick Sullivan, Leigh Steinberg, Eason's agent, said yesterday, "as long as there's an agreement and an understanding that he's not healthy, then he'd probably give it a shot.

"There is agreement" that Eason is not at full strength, he added in a telephone interview from his California office. "I would expect that we would reach a consensus on his state of readiness to perform in the game."

Patriots' Coach Raymond Berry said Wednesday he would use Eason only if quarterbacks Doug Flutie and Steve Grogan are knocked out of the game with injuries. The need for a third quarterback arose Monday after Tom Ramsey, who was healthy, was released.

Ramsey's negative reaction to being benched against Indianapolis, with the score tied 7-7 after three quarters, reportedly contributed to his departure. Flutie replaced him and led the Patriots to a 21-17 victory in that game Oct. 2.