"Tedy Bruschi's role on the Patriots is still not clearly defined, but he's willing to be used as a role player, if that is what is best for the team.

It's hard to picture Bruschi in a complementary role, but he pointed out that before he was a household name in New England, he was a third-round pick trying to find a niche in the NFL. Playing with the second team, as he did in his preseason debut against the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday - Gary Guyton started at inside linebacker beside Jerod Mayo - is not uncharted territory.

"I've been with every unit in my career,'' said Bruschi. "I've been with every single unit, so maybe it would be different if I came in as No. 1 overall pick.

"But I came in having to work my way in, so I know what it's like whether you play every down, or just play only first and second down, or just play special teams. I know what all those roles are like. I'm used to all of them, and that helps.''"