Patriots Training Camp Notes: Spikes Cleared, McDonald to PUP, Waters' Status Unclear

A few camp attendance notes to pass along to you on the eve of the first public practice of training camp 2012, courtesy of ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss:

Brandon Spikes Cleared to Play. Spikes was initially placed on the Active/PUP list on Monday, but has since been removed from the list after passing his physical earlier today. This is good news for Spikes and the Patriots defense, as his status was relatively unknown following offseason knee surgery. Spikes' presence should give the Patriots a full compliment of linebackers heading into tomorrow's opening practice.

Nick McDonald to Active/PUP: According to Reiss, the Patriots have also placed C/G Nick McDonald on the Active/PUP list, for reasons yet to be known. McDonald is a bubble player who has a legitimate chance to unseat a veteran such as Dan Koppen for a roster spot. He will need to get healthy and/or pass the physical as soon as possible in order to secure a roster spot.

Waters Placed on "Did Not Report" List: All offseason, it seems that Patriots guard Brian Waters has faced the possibility of retirement. The less we heard, the more we assumed he would be returning. Waters, however, recently offered no clarity on the decision in comments to the Boston Globe. And according to Reiss, he didn't report with the rest of the Patriots veterans and has now been placed on the "Did Not Report" list.