Julian Edelman could make his dramatic return from a broken foot just in time for the playoffs.
The New England Patriots wide receiver had a screw inserted into his foot during surgery Monday, a source told NFL Media’s Albert Breer. His “rough timetable” for a return from the Jones fracture in his left foot is six to eight weeks, according to Breer.
Edelman suffered the injury on the final play of the first quarter in the Patriots’ 27-26 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. Slot receiver Danny Amendola stepped up in Edelman’s absence, catching 10 passes for 79 yards.
A six-week recovery would put Edelman on pace to play in either Week 16 against the New York Jets or 17 against the Miami Dolphins. A return in eight weeks would mean Edelman could be ready by the first or second round of the AFC playoffs.
It’s unlikely the Patriots would rush Edelman back for games that likely will be meaningless at the end of the regular season. Since the Patriots are 9-0 heading into Week 11, it’s looking increasingly likely the Patriots will have a first-round bye in the playoffs, meaning there’s a decent chance Edelman could return for New England’s first postseason game.
Thumbnail photo via Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images
