Julian Edelman Reportedly Underwent Shoulder Surgery But Will Not Miss Significant Time

The New England Patriots are in a strange state right about now. After stunningly bowing out in the AFC Wild Card against the Titans, they've now spent two weeks watching playoff football from the couch, and will be forced to do the same when Super Bowl Sunday rolls around. But that does mean that their banged-up contingent can get a jump start on the healing process, beginning with star wideout Julian Edelman.

Per insider Adam Schefter, the trusty veteran underwent minor shoulder surgery last week and is currently on the mend.

That Edelman won't be sidelined for offseason workouts is good news, but it must be noted that he's not getting any younger. His age-34 season approaches, and he's clearly feeling the wear and tear of just the second 100-catch campaign of his career, and the third in which he played in all 16 games.

Notably, he was removed from kick return responsibilities this season to keep his mileage from piling up too high.

It must be said that this isn't the first headline Edelman has made since New England fell out of the playoffs, of course. He was arrested two weekends ago for leaping onto the hood of a stranger's Mercedes in the LA area.

There's no reason to believe that Edelman stans should worry about the lingering effects of this shoulder repair. But it's simply an indication that Bill Belichick and the Pats need to be increasingly careful with when and how they use the former Super Bowl MVP as he turns the corner into the back stretch of his career.