FOXBORO -- As far as Ken Walter was concerned, his professional football career was over.

The veteran punter even signed the necessary retirement papers after having shoulder surgery last year. Still, the competitive nature that lives inside every athlete wouldn't go away, and now Walter finds himself back in New England, where he worked from mid-2001 through 2003, including Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII.

The Patriots signed Walter on Wednesday, knowing Josh Miller (shoulder) was injured. Miller was placed on reserve/injured list yesterday, which means he'll miss the remainder of the season.

"Obviously, it's disappointing for Josh and for all of us," said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. "He's very professional, works hard and is a very team-oriented guy. That being said, Kenny's got good enough experience with us, and a big part of the decision is it's as much about the holding as it is the punting. We have a lot of confidence in Kenny."

The coach said it was a tough decision to make at this point of the season, but Miller has not been able to perform effectively of late even though he was the model of consistency for much of this season. He was listed on the team's injury report as questionable due to a shoulder injury, something that really started to bother him prior to the Green Bay game, where it was clear something was wrong as he had his worst performance of the season.

So, it's Wally's World once again.

"It came as a total surprise," said Walter, who had worked out for Houston and Carolina in the last couple of weeks. "I provide a service, and this is an awesome, awesome environment here from the coaching staff, players and anyone who works in the system. I believe in it, and always have."

Even though he had success during his first tour of duty here, Walter was often criticized for his inconsistency and that eventually led to his departure and Miller's arrival. After practice yesterday, Walter said the past is the past and he's looking forward to this opportunity and a chance for another championship.

New England did not re-sign him after he became a free agent following the 2003 season. He eventually hooked on with the Seattle Seahawks in November of 2004 and did not play last season due to shoulder problems. Following his surgery, he thought his career was over, but his rehab went smoothly and he was able to regain leg strength during the process.

"I don't know anything else and I'm not ready to take that step after football," he said. "I'm passionate about playing, I work hard and I have a job to do here."

He called his first time in New England the best time of his life, saying it made him a better all-around person on and off the field. Belichick was very complimentary about his former/current punter, admitting numerous times Walter is here more for his holding ability than punting. Either way, it's a system with which Walter is familiar.

"I don't want to see Josh go down like that," said snapper Lonie Paxton. "Having a guy I'm familiar with and is such a good holder, I'm excited."

When the Patriots concluded practice and returned to the locker room, kicker Stephen Gostkowski wouldn't talk due to the gag order placed on rookies.

It's obvious Miller and Gostkowski have a strong relationship on and off the field. Their lockers are next to each other and the two are always talking.

"Josh is a good influence on the whole team," said Belichick. "He's very professional and works hard. He's had two really good years in the offseason program -- he's not just showing up to kick on Sunday. He does all the things along the way to be prepared. He's been great and a good addition to the team, I'm glad we've had him. It's a tough break for him. You're sorry to see this type of thing happen to a guy who works that hard."

Walter said after practice yesterday that he and Gostkowski have good chemistry and the veteran is very impressed with Gostkowski's ability.

Rookie punter Danny Baugher remains on the practice squad, and as Belichick explained, he has done a good job, but it really is more about holding for the rookie kicker opposed to punting.

"Kenny is as good of a holder that we've had here," said Belichick. "He's very good at it."