FOXBORO -- Linebacker Junior Seau took another step in a return to the game on Tuesday when he worked out for the Patriots.

Several news sources have reported that New England put the veteran linebacker and 12-time Pro Bowler through a tryout yesterday.

WEEI.com reported Sunday that the 40-year-old Seau will sign a deal to return to the Patriots very soon, possibly as early as this week. ESPNBoston reported that Seau took a physical for the team last weekend. Seau has stated several times in the past if he did return, it would only be with New England.

If Seau does sign with the Patriots, it would be the third time he has come out of retirement to play for New England. He first returned to the league in 2006, and after retiring following the 2007 season, he made another comeback for the last four games of 2008.

In his last full season with the Patriots in 2007, the 12-time Pro Bowler registered 58 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in 16 regular-season games.

Seau has 1,515 tackles, 17 fumble recoveries, 18 interceptions, and 56½ sacks in his 19-year NFL career.