New England Patriots star wide receiver Julian Edelman suffered a serious foot injury against the New York Giants that sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. While it would not have been out of the question to put Edelman on the injured reserve to keep him out for the rest of the year, the Patriots and Edelman decided to allow the receiver to return for the playoffs.
Edelman returned in a major way with a 10 reception, 100 yards, and 11 rushing yards performance against the Chiefs, but he was clearly playing while hurt against the Broncos. Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal recalls Edelman being in "so much pain he couldn't put on his shoe."
It turns out that Edelman might have returned too quickly as ESPN's Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss report that the receiver underwent surgery on his foot.
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
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has more information.
#Patriots WR Julian Edelman had minor surgery on his foot, as ESPN reported, to reinsert the screw from his last procedure. Fine by camp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 11, 2016
While Edelman is not projected to miss any time, foot injuries are the bane of every skill player because the foot becomes extraordinarily delicate and prone to re-injury. Patriots receivers like Aaron Dobson and Brandon LaFell have had their tenures derailed because of foot injuries, so hopefully Edelman can have a more successful recovery.
The Patriots added plenty of depth to their receiver corps this offseason and Keshawn Martin looks to be the primary back-up for Edelman in camp. Perhaps there is now a chance that Edelman is unable to start the season in week 1 and some other receiver will see time on the roster.
We wish Edelman well and hope that he returns to the field when he's 100%.