Patriots Remove Julian Edelman From Non-Football Injury List and Clear Him to Practice
By Kevin Aquino
Patriots star wideout and Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman looks as if he'll be ready to rock by the time the regular season swings around.
The 33-year-old sustained a broken thumb while "playing catch" last month, but was seen in pads at Pats practice on Monday, per Michael Giardi, who suggested Edelman had been removed from the NFI list.
Julian Edelman in pads. Looks like he's off the NFI. #Patriots
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 19, 2019
And now it's official.
Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman has passed his physical and has been removed from the non-football injury list, per @FieldYates. Back to work.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2019
The Patriots locked up Edelman on a two-year extension in May, and having him in the mix for the season opener would be a big boost.
Edelman had 74 receptions on a 68.5% catch percentage last year after facing a four-game suspension to start the season. He came up big for New England in the Super Bowl, earning his third ring and first MVP trophy.
Pats receiving corps might be the deepest in the league ?
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 16, 2019
? Julian Edelman
? Josh Gordon
? Demaryius Thomas
? N'Keal Harry
? Braxton Berrios
? Cameron Meredith
? Dontrelle Inman
? Phillip Dorsett pic.twitter.com/PUMZLRFoRM
New England could be poised to repeat as champions, and are already favorites to win the AFC Championship again this year. With Edelman looking healthier by the day and Josh Gordon officially being reinstated, the team no longer looks feeble at wide receiver.
If Edelman can remain healthy to follow up his big year with an even better one, it'd be no surprise to see the Patriots hoisting up another Vince Lombardi trophy.