Patriots: Julian Edelman being placed on COVID-19 list should end his season
By Adam Weinrib
Patriots WR Julian Edelman, currently on Injured Reserve, has now been migrated to the COVID-19 list.
In case Patriots fans were starting to believe that Julian Edelman would beat the projections and somehow return for the stretch run after battling myriad injuries, we have a bit of news that should change the tide.
Edelman, sidelined since just prior to New England’s Week 8 battle with the Bills, has been on the periphery of the Pats’ potential options for a while now, one year after he refused to watch his 2019 season derailed by a series of injuries (even though it probably should’ve been).
This time, he’ll have no say in the matter, however.
24 hours after the Patriots were hit with fines and sanctions for their behavior during their other Cam Newton-centric coronavirus outbreak, Edelman has been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.
Per @FieldYates, the Patriots have placed WR Julian Edelman on the Covid-19 list.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 30, 2020
Unable to make his way to the facility prior to receiving clearance, it seems more pointless than ever to rely on Edelman before 2021.
Like the rest of Pats Nation, Bill Belichick had no interest in counting Edelman out during a radio appearance on WEEI Monday, and it almost seemed like the team was considering activating the pest for their upcoming showdown with the Chargers.
Instead, Edelman somehow managed to become exposed to COVID-19 during his relative isolation, and a significant damper has now been placed on his status. The Pats have a short week after this one as well when they visit the Rams on Thursday Night Football on Dec. 10. Edelman’s status could be in jeopardy for that game as well.
There’s a chance this could be the end of his season, especially with how long his recovery has taken. If he can’t continue to rehab and be on the field as vigorously as he’s been, then what’s the point?
Q: Do you expect Julian Edelman to return this season?
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) November 30, 2020
Belichick on @OMFonWEEI: "... It would take a lot for me to count him out, put it that way."
Edelman’s exceedingly strange season now has another chapter.
He opened the Cam Newton era with a career-high 179 yards receiving in Week 2 in Seattle, repeatedly burning Jamal Adams before dropping the potential game-winning TD pass. In the intervening weeks before his disappearance, though, Edelman never exceeded 35 receiving yards, then exited stage right before the divisional showdown.
Time and again, COVID-19 has dictated the narrative this season, despite apparent protocols being put in place (or flaunted) from team to team. This time, Edelman’s mental fortitude won’t be the driving force in whether or not a comeback takes place.
