The New England Patriots might be without their most reliable receiver in 2021. According to rumors started by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Julian Edelman is still recovering from his 2020 knee injury and might not be able to play in the upcoming season. While it’s obviously too early to say whether or not he’ll be ready for 2021, the fact that this report is already out does not bode well for Edelman’s future.
From NFL Now: The #Patriots are getting the band back together, with key opt-outs opting back in… Meanwhile, it's far more uncertain for WR Julian Edelman. pic.twitter.com/Uu2dXjTznU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2021
NFL Rumors: Julian Edelman “Still Recovering” From 2020 Knee Injury, Might Miss 2021
Even with a healthy Edelman, the Patriots need a lot of help at wide receiver. Without him, they just might be the worst cast of pass-catchers in the league. Edelman had far more downs than ups in 2020, as the reliable slot receiver missed 10 games with a season-ending knee injury. That injury isn’t going away and, by all accounts, could keep him out for the 2021 season.
Even if Edelman does return in 2021, it’s hard to imagine him being ready for the start of the season. It’s always bad news when you’re talking about a player missing an entire season in February, and Edelman is no spring chicken. The wide receiver is entering his age-35 season and has taken some of the hardest hits of anyone over the past decade. As sad as it is to say, there might not be that much tread left on his tires. For what it’s worth, Rapoport said that Edelman does want to continue his career and will be making every effort to get back on the football field.
Even prior to the injury, Edelman was starting to show signs of age. During his first year without Tom Brady, the former seventh-round pick recorded just 21 receptions for 315 yards and no touchdowns, with 179 of those yards coming in one game. If this truly is the end of the road for Edelman, then the one-time Super Bowl MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion will be remembered as one of the most important pieces of New England’s second dynasty.
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