Patriots Notebook: Nameplate removed from Brian Waters' locker

The Patriots refuse to speak about guard Brian Waters, but their actions this week suggest that he won't be arriving in Foxborough anytime soon.

New England assigned Waters' jersey No. 54 to rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower earlier this week and, possibly more telling, removed the nameplate from above Waters' locker room stall sometime Friday morning, though a white practice jersey and T-shirt were left behind.

Both pieces of evidence are merely circumstantial and it remains possible that Waters, who is under contract for $1.4 million, could report for duty, but the fact remains that he's not here and the bus is leaving the curb.

Waters started all 19 games and earned a trip to Pro Bowl last year. Dan Connolly will likely take his place at right guard Sunday against the Titans.

People close to Waters say that he would prefer to play for a team closer to his home in Texas. He is married with five children and was forced to leave his family behind after signing with the Patriots last season.

The Boston Herald reported Friday that Waters has not reported to Gillette due to a dispute over money. The report states that the Patriots want him to play for the veteran minimum, which would count as $450,000 against the salary cap, though his current deal would have to first be terminated.

The Boston Globe later noted that the restructured deal would come with roster bonuses that would allow him to reach his previous salary, though that offer may have been pulled off the table since Waters continues to remain absent.

RB Shane Vereen has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans after missing seven consecutive practices with a foot injury.

Rookie cornerback Alfonzo Dennard suffered a hamstring injury during Friday's practice and is now listed as questionable. TE Daniel Fells (shin), OL Nick McDonald (shoulder), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back) and CB Sterling Moore (knee) are also questionable.

S Patrick Chung (shoulder) is probable.

Nick Underhill covers the Patriots for MassLive.com. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNE or @nick_underhill.