Julian Edelman Injury: Fantasy Fallout Of Patriots Receiver’s Broken Foot
UPDATE (9:15 P.M. ET): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman reportedly suffered a broken foot during Sunday’s 27-26 win over the New York Giants, according to multiple reports, including this one from FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo.
The silver lining, if you want to look at it, is Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant set the timetable for a return from this very injury earlier this season when he came back after missing seven weeks. With seven weeks remaining in the regular season and potentially two more until New England’s first playoff game (should the team earn a first-round bye), Edelman could return in time for the postseason.
For your fantasy teams, though, you’re probably out of luck. With fantasy playoffs rapidly approaching, Edelman owners should turn to Danny Amendola as a fill-in. He’ll slot into the No. 1 wide receiver role for New England in Edelman’s absence.
Receiver Aaron Dobson is worth keeping an eye on in deeper leagues. He received four targets in the second half but caught only one of those for 5 yards on the final drive of the game.
Dobson has enough talent to stay on the field if he keeps his head in the game and limits drops, and he already has a seven-catch effort to his name this season (Week 2 vs. Buffalo). Keshawn Martin likely won’t be worthy of an add, even if he returns from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for several weeks.
UPDATE (6:15 P.M. ET): Julian Edelman will not return to Sunday’s game versus the Giants after leaving in the first quarter with a left foot injury, the Patriots announced.
ORIGINAL STORY: New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman left Sunday’s game versus the New York Giants with a foot injury and is questionable to return, according to the team.
The injury appeared to come on a third-down play, the final of the first quarter. Edelman left the field under his own power but with a noticeable limp. He was spotted ripping his helmet off and throwing it to the ground in frustration before being tended to by trainers. He then left the field and returned to the locker room.
Edelman had four receptions for 59 yards before exiting the game.
In Edelman’s absence (and with Keshawn Martin out with a hamstring injury), Aaron Dobson immediately saw the field and should continue to see action, but he did not receive a target in the first half.
Danny Amendola should be the main beneficiary of Edelman’s absence, and led the team in targets (6) and receptions (5) during the first half against the Giants.
Thumbnail photo via Jim O’Connor/USA TODAY Sports Images
