FOXBORO -- Brian Waters' locker inside Gillette Stadium is still in tact. His personal belongs aren't there, but his name plate is. And the Patriots practice uniform essentials hang underneath.
But the veteran offensive lineman was still nowhere to be found, as of the morning of Thursday's afternoon practice session.
Next to Waters' locker stood offensive lineman Logan Mankins. But even as he stood next to a locker that hasn't completely ruled out the idea of Waters' return, he said he couldn't discuss Waters' future.
"I don't want to get into that too much," said Mankins before Thursday's practice. "He's not on the team right now. So, Brian did a great job for us last year, and that's all I can say."