By Tom E. Curran

FOXBORO - Every player reported for the Patriots mini-camp which began on Tuesday except for veteran guard Brian Waters who was excused for "personal reasons" according to Bill Belichick.

Given that the absence is "excused" it's logical to presume Waters won't be subject to any fines for missing the mandatory three-day event.

Waters signed with the Patriots less than a week before the opener last season. At this stage, the 35-year-old is given a lot of latitude to manage his own offseason.

He had a Pro Bowl year with the Patriots last year so there seems to be little worry as to whether he'll be able to re-enter and play at a high level again.

While it is expected that Waters will return, there has been no official confirmation that he will be back and Belichick sidestepped the question on Tuesday.

Waters is signed through this season and is due 1.4 million in salary.