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Samuel update

Cornerback Asante Samuel and his representatives have had recent discussions on him returning to the Patriots in the coming days, a sign that Samuel plans to join the team and not carry through on his threat to sit out until the 10th week of the season.

Samuel is likely to return next week, which coincides with the team shifting toward more regular-season preparations. Samuel realizes he needs time to prepare for the regular-season opener Sept. 9 against the Jets.

Agent Alonzo Shavers said tonight that he hasn't spoken with Samuel within the last 24 hours, so no final decisions have been made. But the wheels are in motion.

Earlier tonight, the NFL Network's Adam Schefter said that it looked like Samuel's plan was to return by the middle of next week.

Samuel has not missed out on any of the $7.79 million salary he will earn this year, as players do not collect their salaries until the regular-season begins.