Free-agent running back Kevin Faulk told ESPN Boston on Saturday that he believes it'll be awhile before the New England Patriots decide whether or not to bring him back for a 14th season.
Faulk doesn't expect the Patriots to get back to him in the near future, according to the website, and he has chosen not to work out with the team while he waits, even though that option is open to him.
In the meantime, the Patriots are exploring their options with other free agents. A league source told NFL.com's Ian Rapoport on Friday that the team is evaluating former Washington Redskin Tim Hightower and former Indianapolis Colt Joseph Addai, while ESPN reported that New England also has interest in former Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant.
Faulk, 35, told ESPN.com earlier this month that he wants to get back on the field with the Patriots, but he acknowledged the team might decide otherwise.
"If it doesn't come, it doesn't come. I'm content with it," he said. "If a phone call doesn't come from the New England Patriots, are you ready for that? Yes, I am."
The Patriots elected not to have Faulk play in Super Bowl XLVI, listing him as inactive ahead of their loss to the New York Giants.