Latest Julian Edelman update should mean nothing to Patriots fans

Julian Edelman could reportedly return to the Patriots in a couple weeks. What does that even mean?

The New England Patriots need help right now if they want to make a playoff push. They’re sitting at 5-6, on the outside looking in, and they have a fairly tough upcoming slate against the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams — both on the road — on Sunday and Thursday. The Miami Dolphins come the following Sunday in Week 15.

So when Pats fans are hit with an injury update on Julian Edelman that doesn’t provide any indication he’ll definitely be back for that stretch of games, then what’s the point?

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Edelman could return in a couple of weeks, but by then it could be too late for the Patriots, who more than likely need to win out in order to control their playoff destiny.

Though Edelman’s presence on offense certainly helped during the first two weeks of the season against the Dolphins and Seahawks, he was a non-factor in his next four contests before undergoing a knee procedure. The problem with the Patriots receiving corps is that nobody gets ample separation or consistently wins one-on-one battles.

How could Edelman, who is coming off surgery, possibly help in that department? Another body on the field sure is nice in terms of potentially opening up opportunities for other guys like N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyes and Damiere Byrd, but the fact that it’ll be this late in the season and likely won’t feature a fully healthy Edelman, makes it seem pointless.

Now, if the Patriots manage to beat the Chargers and the Rams to get to 7-6, then this will be meaningful. But to say Edelman will be back “in time” for the team’s “playoff push” when we still 1) don’t really know when he’ll be back and 2) don’t know if the Patriots will even be in contention when he comes back, doesn’t really hold any weight.

After all, how effective could Edelman possibly be after not seeing the field since Week 7?This current iteration of the Patriots offense needs to get the job done before we can even think of the veteran receiver’s return potentially moving the needle.

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