FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – Deion Branch skipped the first day of the New England Patriots mandatory minicamp Tuesday because of a contract dispute, leaving them without their best wide receiver.

His quarterback still expects the 2005 Super Bowl MVP to play well in 2006.

Tom Brady, who talked with Branch last week, said “it’s tough” not having him at the three-day camp.

But “he’s doing good. He’s in shape and he looks good. As usual, he’s going to have a great year,” Brady said.

Coach Bill Belichick said any disciplinary measures are a private matter between a player and the club.

“I’m not going to talk about anybody who is not here, other than I’ll say that Branch’s absence is unexcused,” Belichick said.

Branch, who wants a contract extension, is entering the final season of a five-year deal he signed after the Patriots drafted him in the second round in 2002 out of Louisville.

His agent, Jason Chayut, did not return a call seeking comment.

All-Pro defensive lineman Richard Seymour skipped last year’s mandatory minicamp and part of training camp, got a raise before the season and was chosen for his fourth Pro Bowl in six pro seasons. Last April 12, he received a four-year contract estimated between $7 million and $8 million per year.

“Each situation is different. I’m not in Deion’s situation now,” Seymour said. “I always remained optimistic and hopeful that it would get done but I can’t speak for anybody else. Deion’s a Super Bowl MVP who has been making big plays for us ever since he’s been here.”

Seymour and Branch are among the most well liked players by their teammates.

The 5-foot-9, 193-pound Branch had career highs of 78 catches and 998 yards receiving last year with five touchdowns. In the Patriots’ last playoff game, a 27-13 loss at Denver, he caught eight passes for a team playoff record of 153 yards.

He was Super Bowl MVP the previous season with 11 catches for 133 yards against Philadelphia.

The Patriots opened minicamp without their No. 2 wide receiver from last season, David Givens, who signed with Tennessee as a free agent for five years and $24 million, including an $8 million signing bonus.

Branch is scheduled to make just over $1 million this year.

His absence left 34-year-old Troy Brown and Reche Caldwell, who became a free agent after playing for San Diego last year, as the top experienced wide receivers at Tuesday’s practice.

“I don’t hold any grudges against him for not being here,” Brown said of Branch. “That’s between him and the team.”

Two other players, both coming off injuries, sat out the practice. Safety Rodney Harrison missed the rest of last season after tearing three left knee ligaments in the third game. Center Dan Koppen didn’t play after hurting his shoulder in the ninth game. Both are pleased with their recoveries.

Tackle Matt Light missed the last 13 games with a broken ankle and participated in some drills, including lining up at right guard during field goal practice.

AP-ES-06-13-06 1749EDT