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Patriots get WR Julian Edelman back at practice, but another key offensive piece was missing

The Patriots got wide receiver Julian Edelman back at practice in Foxboro on Thursday, but were missing another key piece on offense.

Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots points prior to the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots points prior to the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

FOXBORO, Mass. -- The Patriots got wide receiver Julian Edelman back at practice on Thursday. But swap him out for starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn, who was missing from the media availability portion of practice.

More will be known about Wynn's status when the second injury report of the week comes out on Thursday. Wynn and several others missed practice two weeks ago after a flu bug swept through the Patriots' locker room.

Edelman, however, returned after missing Wednesday's practice due to what Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported as "load management". He appeared on Wednesday's injury report with a knee injury, in addition to an existing shoulder injury. Edelman played through a chest issue earlier in the season, as well.

Oct 27, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with wide receiver Julian Edelman after a touchdown during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY

Oct 27, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with wide receiver Julian Edelman after a touchdown during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor wasn't willing to speak on the taping controversy involving the Patriots and Bengals, offering some form of "no comment" several times. But he was willing to speak about Edelman and the problems he presents to the Bengals.

"He's been a problem for a long time," said Taylor. "He's a great separator. He and Tom [Brady] obviously have great chemistry. They're on the same page and know how to attack defenses. So, he's been one of the premier receivers in this league for a long time and someone you certainly have to be aware of."

Losing Wynn again, after bringing him off injured reserve in late October, would be a blow to the Patriots offense, which can use all the help it can get in every area after averaging 17.6 points over the last five games. Wynn has been hit-or-miss as a blocker since returning, but still represents an upgrade over journeyman Marshall Newhouse.

Having Edelman as healthy as possible, however, is paramount. So it's certainly a good sign that he was able to return after missing just one practice.

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.

Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.