Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman faces four-game suspension

There is never a dull moment in New England: Just as the Patriots closed their final minicamp practice, news broke that wide receiver Julian Edelman is looking at missing a quarter of the 2018 season for violating the NFL's performance enhancing drug policy.

ESPN's Field Yates was the first to report it:

Patriots WR Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for a violation of the league’s performance enhancing substances policy, league sources tell @AdamSchefter and me.

According to fellow ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, the decision is currently under appeal.

Losing Edelman, who has returned to the field after an ACL tear that cost him all of the 2017 season, would be a big blow to the Patriots offense. Not only is the 32-year old the most experienced wideout on New England's roster, he also is Tom Brady's number one target at a position that lost saw Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola leave during the offseason.

With Edelman potentially out, another Patriots wide receiver will get a chance at earning a roster spot. Luckily for the team, the position is one of the deepest on the roster and a player like Braxton Berrios could benefit from the not yet official suspension.