Brian Waters, the guard who started every game from Week One to the Super Bowl for the Patriots last season, has been absent all year in what at first looked like just an example of a team allowing a reliable veteran to get some time off during the offseason. But with the regular season upon us, and Waters still absent, it now appears that he won’t be on the field for Week One.
So what’s going on with Waters? Is he retiring? Holding out for more money? Patriots coach Bill Belichick won’t say.
“Well, he’s not on the roster. He’s either an active player or he’s not an active player and he’s not an active player; he’s not on the roster,” Belichick said.
Asked specifically if Waters is a holdout, Belichick answered, “I really don’t have any more to add to the situation.”
After 11 years with the Chiefs, Waters signed with the Patriots last year and turned in a very good 2011 season. The Patriots could use him on their offensive line this season, too. But there’s still no word on whether they’ll have him.