"The missed practices are starting to pile up for Albert Haynesworth. Right now, we're at four full-pads sessions and counting for the hulking defensive lineman.

After knocking a few bodies around in a couple of practices, and beginning his Patriots days with a bang, Haynesworth hasn't been seen out on the field. Of late, he's logged more time away from bash brother Vince Wilfork than next to him on the defensive line.

Given the man's reputation, the temptation is to roll your eyes, shake your head and groan. Already, Albert's being Albert. Already, the Haynesworth experiment has gone south.

A few things happened yesterday, however, to suggest it's way too early to make that call.

First, Patriots coach Bill Belichick actually provided an update with regard to Haynesworth's status, and didn't seem particularly concerned or alarmed. He was forthcoming with information, putting out a day-to-day timetable for Haynesworth's return to the field and actually giving a little more detail.

Second, Andre Carter, who wasn't afraid to call out Haynesworth last year when his teammate, with the Redskins at that time, balked at playing a 3-4 defense, provided words that can be construed as encouraging. In other words, Carter didn't come out swinging and rip the guy. Maybe that's more the Patriot Way, as opposed to the Redskins Way, but whatever issues Carter had with Haynesworth seem to have been put aside.

But let's start with Belichick, who would rather swallow his whistle than provide even a hint of information.

"He's getting some treatment," Belichick said of Haynesworth, which in itself sounded like a revelation. "I think he'll be back out there as soon as he can. I think he's working really hard. Hopefully, he'll be back out there in a matter of hopefully a day or matter of days."

The translation there: Haynesworth won't be playing in tomorrow night's preseason opener against Jacksonville. He hasn't practiced, therefore, he won't play. But again, it doesn't sound like this is anything to stew over or panic about."