By Tom E. Curran
The signs for Dan Koppen being back with the Patriots in 2012 haven't been encouraging.
The longtime Patriots center who stepped in at center in his second game in the NFL in 2003 and stayed there for the next nine seasons is scheduled to visit the Tennessee Titans this week according to Jim Wyatt of The Tennesseean.
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Koppen, 32, broke his ankle in the Patriots season opener in 2011 and was replaced capably by Dan Connolly who the Patriots re-signed earlier this offseason.
Koppen wasn't happy when the team placed him on IR during the season, believing he could have been back before the season was out.
Now a free agent, the Patriots have made it obvious he should pursue other options. A visit elsewhere doesn't mean he won't still land back with the Patriots later this offseason but it appears his time as the starting center for New England is over.