Bill Belichick gives update on Julian Edelman’s status
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Wednesday marked the first opportunity for Julian Edelman to return to Patriots practice. However, the 34-year-old wide receiver did not take part.
Edelman was placed on injured reserve following a knee procedure three weeks ago – the minimum amount of time a player must miss once going on IR. No timetable was given for Edelman’s absence at the time, other than Belichick speculation that he didn’t expect Edelman to miss the rest of the season.
Asked for an update Wednesday morning, Belichick told reporters, “We’ll do what we would normally do in that situation, and that’s to work towards that goal, but not start it until we’re sure the player is ready to start.”
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While Belichick noted that Edelman hasn’t suffered any setbacks, it’s clear he’s not yet ready to return. Once a player comes off IR and begins practicing, the team has 21 days to add them to the active roster. If that window passes without the player being activated, they become ineligible for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, rookie tackle Justin Herron – who went on IR the same day as Edelman – did return on Wednesday. Practice squad tight end Jake Burt, who had been on practice squad IR, returned to practice as well.
The team made a pair of practice squad roster moves Wednesday as well. Defensive tackle Nick Thurman, who was waived late last week, cleared waivers and rejoined the team as a member of the practice squad. To make room, receiver Mason Kinsey was released, ending his second stint with the Patriots in 2020.
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Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].