Patriots WR Julian Edelman Was Limited vs Bengals Due to Leg Tendon Issue

The Patriots gave their fan base a scare heading into halftime against the Bengals on Sunday, only leading Zac Taylor's tanking squad 13-10.

As expected, New England broke it open in the second half en route to a 34-13 victory, but it was no thanks (once again) to Tom Brady and the passing game, as they mustered just 128 yards through the air.

We know what you're thinking: how did Julian Edelman not pick apart the Bengals' lowly secondary? Well, the hobbled wideout only played 40 snaps due to an apparent tendon issue in his left knee. He didn't look like himself because he wasn't himself.

Julian Edelman played just 40 snaps yesterday, catching 2 of his 5 targets for 9 yards. His rest on Wednesday wasn't about load management; it was - as I reported - about that tendon in the left leg. It's a painful injury and it's limiting. That's why he didn't look like himself.
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 16, 2019

That certainly shouldn't leave the Foxborough faithful feeling optimistic. Edelman hasn't been fully healthy all season long thanks to rib, chest, and shoulder impingements, and it appears that he'll need to combat another ailment down the stretch as the Patriots slug it out with the Ravens for the AFC's No.1 seed.

We understand that every NFL player is battling through injuries in December, but you can't help but cringe when you hear the words "tendon" and "knee" in the same injury description.

I reported pregame that Julian Edelman was dealing with a tendon issue in his left knee. Watching him, he looks ponderous with his movements, lacking that usual quick burst. Maybe he can loosen it up but he spent more time in warmups than usual and it hasn't helped early.
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 15, 2019

If nothing else, this will be an injury that New England needs to meticulously manage for the rest of the season.

We don't have to outline Edelman's importance to the Pats offense. Him logging two receptions for nine yards simply won't be good enough against better teams, though it may open up his double team if opponents know he can't contribute in full.