Vince Wilfork‘s holdout might not end any time soon.

The Patriots’ defensive tackle has skipped the team’s voluntary workouts the last few weeks and would consider staying at home when mandatory minicamp sessions begin next week, the Boston Herald reports. At issue are the ongoing contract talks between the team and Wilfork, who is entering the final year of the five-year deal that he signed as a rookie:

“I’m staying positive about the whole situation,” Wilfork said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m not losing sleep over it. This is the business part. I hate it, but at the same time, I have to look out for Vince Wilfork. That’s the bottom line. That’s what it comes down to.”

Wilfork has started all but three games for the Patriots since 2005, and he’s widely regarded as one of the best players at his position. Here’s more of what he told the Herald:

“I don’t know when I’m going to be stepping on the field but I can tell you I’m going to be ready for the first game of the season,” he said. “I hate not being there. It hurts me not to be out with my guys. I hate not being with my guys more than anything, but the time will come. Guys that know me in that locker room know I’m working.”

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