New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman avoided an injury scare after leaving practice Tuesday.
The New England Patriots are already starting the season without Tom Brady, who must serve a four-game suspension for allegedly deflating footballs, and were potentially looking at being without another star after an injury scare Tuesday.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman was just activated off the physically unable to perform list Monday, and looked like he was on his way back after leaving the field during Tuesday’s practice.
Julian Edelman has gone off to the side with disgust, threw helmet. Trainer Jim Whalen looking at lower left leg as Edelman sits on cart.
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) August 9, 2016
News of Edelman’s injury was enough to scare the already jittery Pats faithful. Edelman had surgery on his left foot during the 2015 season, but returned in time for the playoffs. He underwent another surgery on the same foot during the offseason, but was expected to be back fully healthy for the team’s opening tilt against the Arizona Cardinals on Sep. 11.
After a few hours of nervous speculation, news broke that served as a relief to Patriots fans.
Tests on Patriots WR Julian Edelman showed today's scare was just that - a scare. Sources say he's OK. We'll see if he even misses any time.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 9, 2016
Edelman is essential to helping backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo adjust to life as a starter, and stands to be a heavy-usage safety valve during Brady’s four-game suspension.
An injury to Edelman to start the 2016 season would’ve been a disaster, severely jeopardizing the Pats’ ability to stay afloat ahead of their captain’s return in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns.
Despite playing in only nine games last season, Edelman still managed to rack up 692 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes for 100 yards in an AFC Divisional round victory over the Kansas City Chiefs this past postseason.