FOXBORO, Mass. — Julian Edelman was back on the practice field earlier than anticipated, but don’t expect the New England Patriots receiver to rush back into game action.
Edelman made his surprise return to practice Friday and wasn’t wearing a brace on the left foot to which he suffered a Jones fracture in Week 10 against the New York Giants.
“I’d like to be back as soon as I can but doing it safely and smart,” Edelman said. “And just trying to improve each day.”
Edelman was happy to be back on the field with his teammates, including tight end Rob Gronkowski, who returned to practice Thursday.
“It’s always good to be out there with your teammates and the staff out there and put the cleats on and run around,” Edelman said.
Edelman shared a high five with Gronkowski at practice in front of the media.
“Well, you know, Gronk and I have a high-fiving thing that Brady could just never get that one time,” Edelman joked.
Fans and the media were shocked to see Edelman back less than a month after suffering the injury, but the wide receiver wasn’t.
“We’ve been working hard and we’ve got a good staff in here,” Edelman said. “It wasn’t necessarily a surprise.”
Edelman wouldn’t specify how much he was able to do on the practice field. He’s lucky he didn’t suffer a setback when a photo journalist dropped a step stool on his foot while speaking to the media Friday.
“Oh, there goes my foot,” Edelman said, (possibly) joking. “Thanks, buddy.”
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
