The New England Patriots corps of wide receivers has been much maligned throughout the region in the wake of the team’s 33-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Now, it appears that New England will be without its most prolific asset, for at least a short period of time.
With N’Keal Harry already out due to a concussion, receiver Julian Edelman underwent a ‘precautionary standard knee procedure’ on Thursday and will be missing some games, as reported by The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. Edelman was not present during the portion of Patriots practice open to the media on Thursday.
According to Howe’s report, Edelman’s surgery is not expected to be season-ending. It is, however, expected to sideline Edelman for “some period of time”, including Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. NFL Network’s Mike Giardi further detailed that Edelman is reportedly dealing with ‘bone on bone’ in the knee, per his sources.
Edelman has consistently been listed on the Patriots’ injury report throughout the season with a knee injury. He was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice due to that knee ailment, before missing Thursday’s session. On Wednesday evening, CouchGuySports’ “Small States Big Takes” Podcast had tweeted that Edelman could miss significant time due to this knee injury.
Edelman is the Patriots’ leader in receptions (21), targets (39) and receiving yards (315). A former collegiate quarterback, the 34 year-old wideout also completed two passes for 39 yards as a passer and has rushed for 22 yards on two carries, per CBS Sports.
The Patriots (2-4) visit the AFC East Division-Leading Bills (5-2) on Sunday before traveling to the Meadowlands for Monday Night Football vs. the New York Jets in Week 9. It is also possible that New England may make the trip to Orchard Park minus N’Keal Harry. The sophomore receiver was also not present on Thursday; missing his second straight practice after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit, causing him to be removed from Sunday’s game.
-Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and Columnist for Full Press Coverage. He covers the New England Patriots and provides NFL editorial content. He is also the host of the Locked On Patriots podcast. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC
