If you were hoping that all the talk about 'Deflategate' would be done by kickoff of Super Bowl XLIX, the leader of the NFL's investigation says not to hold your breath.

In a statement released on Monday, attorney Ted Wells said that the league's investigation is expected to go on for "at least several more weeks."

"We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation on the issue of the footballs used in the AFC Championship," the statement read. "This work began last week, stretched through the weekend, and is proceeding expeditiously this week notwithstanding the Super Bowl. We are following customary investigative procedures and no one should draw any conclusions about the sequence of interviews or any other steps, all of which are part of the process of doing a thorough and fair investigation.

"I expect the investigation to take at least several more weeks. In the interim, it would be best if everyone involved or potentially involved in this matter avoids public comment concerning the matter until the investigation is concluded. The results will be shared publicly."

Wells was named to lead the NFL's inquiry into the matter late last week, along with NFL executive VP Jeff Pash. Wells also served as the lead investigator in a probe of the Miami Dolphins' locker room after the team’s bullying scandal came to light in 2013.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said on Friday that he "very much support[s] the league's desire to conduct a complete investigation and welcome the appointment of Ted Wells to lead the process," while adding that the Patriots "will continue to cooperate throughout the league's investigation."