I heard yesterday that the Patriots will receive back three key players in 2021, but the prospects of another veteran remain uncertain. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that veteran gang Julian Edelman will continue his rehabilitation and recovery after a knee injury that shortened his 2020 campaign.
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Rapoport notes that Edelman still wants to play next season, but the main concern is whether his knee will be able to withstand the rigors of another NFL season. No decision has been made, but Edelman’s status in 2021 will be directly attributed to his health. If he feels he has overcome his knee injuries, he will probably be on the field.
The 34-year-old appeared in the first six games in New England in the 2020 season. Thanks (in part) to the fact that he saw targets from his tastes Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, and Brian Hoyer instead of Tom Brady, Edelman tried to put consistent figures. In addition to a performance of eight catches, of 179 yards in week 2, the side was limited to only 13 receptions for 136 meters and no scores in its other five games.
Of course, the former Super Bowl MVP is only eliminated one season from a 1,000-yard campaign, so it may be too early to cancel Edelman. The veteran is also the only trusted option he currently receives on the New England roster; was the first round N’Keal Harry fought in his first two NFL seasons, and the team is looking at former untrained free agents Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski for the top of the depth chart. If Edelman is healthy enough to play next season, we should establish a statistical comeback.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.