Patriots: Julian Edelman appears to be dealing with mystery injury
The Patriots are already dealing with an injury to Julian Edelman in training camp.
The New England Patriots had enough roster turnover this offseason. Any major injury to a star player in training camp can easily doom this team for the 2020 campaign. So when Pats fans learned early on Thursday that wide receiver Julian Edelman is dealing with some sort of mysterious leg injury, some sort of panic set in.
If there’s one offensive player the Patriots can’t afford to lose, it’s Edelman. He had a career year in 2019 and was working out vigorously this offseason with new quarterback Cam Newton. Everyone was expecting even bigger strides this year.
But he missed practice on Tuesday, which, at first, didn’t seem like the end of the world. But now there are more details in regards to what’s happened and it all feels concerning.
Julian Edelman is certainly dealing with something early in camp. Was limited Tuesday and then after an incompletion from Newton in 4vs3 drills early in practice he threw his helmet and then went to trainer. Took one rep rest of practice and spent most of it on one knee.
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) August 20, 2020
Yup, and he aggravated whatever was likely bothering him on Tuesday during practice Thursday morning.
Of course, it’s the Patriots, so you’re not going to get ANY specifics until Bill Belichick deems it necessary to disclose them to the media (or until he know every last detail before feeling comfortable releasing them).
Edelman recorded 100 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns last year in a Patriots offense that took a noticeable step back. On top of that, he’s the only constant in the receiving game. This team has no tight end (at the moment) and N’Keal Harry and Mohamed Sanu still have a ton to prove in New England.
Edelman’s time in New England has embodied the Patriot Way and the character of Boston. Losing him in any capacity in 2020 would be devastating on multiple fronts.
Something to keep an eye on - Julian Edelman appeared to do something to his right leg during a 4-on-4 drill early in practice, took one rep in 1-on-1s and didn't tale another rep all day. Was also seen lightly riding the bike at one point. #Patriots @nflnetwork
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 20, 2020
Edelman’s been the veteran presence and rock this receiving corps has needed. Don’t forget the young guys like Harry, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski still need a tenured and successful Patriot to learn from as they look to carve out roles for themselves on offense.
For the first time in 20 years, it feels like the Patriots can’t escape distressing situations. Though it’s likely nothing drastic happened with Edelman, even anything minor at this point feels like the world is upside down.
