Tedy Bruschi says he did not have to sign any waiver in order to get back on the practice field.

Bruschi returned to Patriots practice today and said he wasn't hindered by any legal roadblocks. Asked if he'd been asked to sign any type of waiver that kept the Patriots clear of liability if he was injured, he said, ''I have not.''

It is not clear what the team would do if and when the coaching staff clears him for action. The team has referred Bruschi to several different medical professionals, however, over the past few months. Once cleared my team medical officials, any injured player is usually free to return to practice and games with no restrictions. It is not known that Bruschi's case would be any different, even though his injury was a stroke.

''In terms of that, that's once I get to actual playing,'' Bruschi said on Monday. ''Right now they have to decide if I can play. Man, once they see me out at practice, let them decide if I can play or not.''

-- KEVIN McNAMARA