Should The New England Patriots Keep Julian Edelman Out On Sunday?
By Cyrus Geller
New England Patriots’ wide receiver Julian Edelman was limited in practice once again yesterday, as he continues to work his way through a concussion he sustained earlier in the week. Edelman is a tough dude, but concussions are no joke, especially for a player that takes a ton of abuse to the head throughout the season.
So, should Bill Belichick just sit Edelman on Sunday, to ensure he is 100% for the playoffs? I think it is a definite possibility. The Patriots can beat the Jets without the services of Edelman. Hell, they could probably beat the Jets without Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, and Darrelle Revis. New England is just a much better team right now.
If the Pats deem Edelman’s concussion serious enough where he could sit out, but not so bad that he needed to sit out, I think that would be where Edelman takes a game off. If he is completely okay, then play him. But if there is any question whatsoever, the Patriots need to give him a break, so he is ready for the postseason.
I will say it is a very good sign that Edelman practiced once again after being diagnosed with the concussion, but this is still pure speculation on my part.
Sitting Edelman would also give Tom Brady a chance to get others involved in the offense, which could pay dividends going forward. In the playoffs, if opposing defenses begin to key in on Gronk, Edelman, and LaFell, the Patriots need someone else to step up. Brady should use these last two games to get a fourth option involved. Whether it is Tim Wright, Shane Vereen, Danny Amendola, or even Brian Tyms, the Pats needs another option available to Brady for January football.
From Doug Kyed of NESN, here is the complete injury report from yesterday:
"LIMITED LS Danny Aiken (finger)CB Kyle Arrington (hamstring)RB LeGarrette Blount (shoulder)OL Dan Connolly (knee)WR Julian Edelman (concussion/thigh)OL Cameron Fleming (ankle)LB Dont’a Hightower (shoulder)DE Chandler Jones (hip)WR Brandon LaFell (shoulder)DE Rob Ninkovich (heel)RB Shane Vereen (ankle)LB Chris White (ankle)FULL PARTICIPANT QB Tom Brady (ankle)"