As we mentioned earlier, linebacker Derrick Burgess was not present at the morning practice on Thursday as the Patriots opened training camp. Now, we might know why.
According to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli, Burgess, entering is ninth year in the NFL, is considering retirement. The Patriots traded for Burgess from the Raiders in 2009, and then signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million deal this past offseason.
Sources said that, as recently as Wednesday, Burgess told associates that he was leaning toward retirement. Those same sources indicated, however, that Burgess could still change his mind about his immediate future. Patriots officials have been apprised that Burgess may retire.
Burgess, 31, played all 16 games with the Patriots in 2009, recording 35 tackles and five sacks. He received high marks from coach Bill Belichick for his play late last season.