Julian Edelman missed some games down the stretch for the New England Patriots with a foot injury, but he recently went under the knife to get the injury taken care of.
Julian Edelman played in the New England Patriots’ first nine games of the 2015 season starring in his usual slot receiver role on the inside. However, Edelman suffered a serious left foot injury against the New York Giants that forced him to miss the rest of the 2015 regular season.
Edelman did make a return to the Patriots’ lineup in the post season, returning in a big way with a 10-reception for 100 yards performance against the Kansas City Chief. However, he clearly did not look 100% in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, as he was essentially shut down.
Did the Patriots bring him back too soon? It is hard to say considering how good Edelman looked against the Chiefs, but a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN on Wednesday that Edelman underwent offseason surgery on his left foot suggests just that.
Patriots WR Julian Edelman recently underwent left foot surgery but is on track to return for training camp, sources told @MikeReiss and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 11, 2016
Julian Edelman recently was spotted in NYC with a “big boot” on foot, riding around on a motorized device. Surgery was "cleanup procedure."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 11, 2016
Schefter suggesting that Edelman will be ready to go by training camp and that it was just a “cleanup procedure” is obviously great news. That being said, the injury still nagging him is a major concern.
The Patriots’ offense scuffled without Edelman at the end of last season, and while Danny Amendola can fill the role admirably, it is not the same. Edelman is the best receiver in the NFL at the short passing game, and he has become a bit of a security blanket for Tom Brady.
Not having a fully healthy Edelman at any point in the season hurts the Patriots, but Jimmy Garoppolo making his first NFL appearance during the first four weeks of the season will be a time where the Patriots specifically need Edelman. Having the little guy running his patented underneath routes out of the slot will be a major asset for Garoppolo.
Edelman is not expected to miss any time, and that is great, but the fact that this injury will not go away is certainly worth watching. Foot injuries are incredibly difficult to deal with and can derail careers. I am not saying that is what is happening here, but it is worth keeping an eye on.
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