FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Soundbites from Bill Belichick's news conference before Sunday's practice:

'Big week' ahead for the team. Belichick called this a "big week" for the team, pointing to Sunday and Monday practices before the Saints come to town for two more practices and then Thursday's preseason game. "We'll start to try to pull all the situational things together -- down and distance, field position, kicking game -- and start working those things more into practice," he said.

Everything installed; evaluations continue. Belichick made the point that "pretty much everything" is installed from the playbook, and with players getting multiple reps on everything, that adds to the overall evaluation.

Gallery's retirement. On veteran guard Robert Gallery retiring, Belichick said: "I talked to Robert several times in the last few days and he made that decision. I respect it. He was a good player. He had a good career. I'm sorry it didn't work out this year, but I understand it. Both of us will move on. He worked hard when he was here and did everything we asked him to do."

Fiammetta decision 'personal.' Asked about the decision to place fullback Tony Fiammetta on the exempt/left squad list, Belichick said it was because of "personal reasons."

On signing Martin. With one of their open roster spots, the Patriots signed veteran defensive back Derrick Martin. "He's had experience at corner [and] safety and the kicking game," Belichick said.

On Huggins being signed and let go one day later. Belichick was asked what unfolded with running back Kareem Huggins, who was signed Saturday and then released Sunday. "Obviously it just never really got off the ground there," he said. "Before we put him on the field, we didn't feel like we could put him on the field."

No updates on Brian Waters. Belichick said there were no updates on veteran offensive lineman Brian Waters, in terms of him potentially reporting to camp.

Practice fights. After the Patriots had three full-team scuffles over a three-day span last week, Belichick sent the entire team on three full-field laps. Does the team have the fighting out of its system? "I hope so, but that's a couple days old now, so we're moving on," he said.

Not tuning in to 'Hard Knocks.' Belichick was asked if he'd be tuning in to "Hard Knocks", featuring the Miami Dolphins this year. Maybe he could find another Danny Woodhead? "I'll probably miss it," he said, before cracking: "I'm sure if anything great comes out of it, you'll let me know, right?"

Officials coming tomorrow. Belichick confirmed that officials will be coming to town tomorrow. Asked if he was looking forward to it, Belichick did his best Bart Scott imitation. "Can't wait," he said, smiling.