Julian Edelman practices in full pads, meaning he’s likely off the non-football injury list

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

Looks like Julian Edelman looks ready to play.

The Patriots' No. 1 wide receiver practiced in full pads on Monday in Foxboro, indicating he's off the non-football injury list after recovering from a reported broken thumb. Practice is no longer open to reporters, so it's unclear how much Edelman participated in practice - but his presence in full pads is a major step forward in his recovery.

Edelman's full-pad return comes just in time for the Patriots' "dress rehearsal" preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday at Gillette Stadium. But it's unclear how ready Edelman is for game action since he was unable to participate in team drills throughout training camp.

It's nonetheless a very positive development for a Patriots receiver corps ravaged by injuries in recent weeks. According to multiple reports, N'Keal Harry, Phillip Dorsett, Maurice Harris, and tight end Matt LaCosse were also present at practice.

With practice closed to the media and full injury reports not yet required, it won't be clear whether any of these players are full participants. In fact it's likely the majority of them were limited, meaning they only took part in stretching and spent the rest of practice on the lower field.

But it's certainly a good sign that many of the Patriots' most important offensive weapons are getting back to work, with most of the starters getting ready for their only game action of the preseason coming on Thursday. That could finally be the first indication of what the 2019 Patriots offense looks like with Tom Brady under center and his pass-catchers at full strength.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.