"Wes Welker isn't making any predictions about the next time he steps on the field after suffering a neck injury in Saturday's exhibition loss to the Lions. While he feels fine, the receiver said he is awaiting orders from his coaches and trainers.

Welker did not practice yesterday, three days after sustaining the injury while tackling Ricardo Silva after the Lions safety grabbed an interception.

Welker did not play after the tackle.

The Patriots will play their final exhibition game against the Giants tomorrow, but Welker said it's not his decision if he will play.

"If Bill [Belichick] wants me out there and the doctors OK it, I'll definitely be out there,'' he said.

Welker said neck injuries often require more caution.

"I think anything that has to do with that part of your body is always scary,'' he said. "We have good doctors and good trainers and stuff, so I wasn't too worried about it.''

Will Welker be ready to go for the season opener?

"I hope so,'' he said. "We'll see what the doctors and the trainers and everybody else says and what they say is what's going to happen.''"