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 Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
Patriots leave Julian Edelman on IR, activate two from practice squad
Julian Edelman won’t suit up for the Patriots Monday night against the Bills. In fact, his season may be over.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 18: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesBy Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Julian Edelman won't suit up for the Patriots Monday night against the Bills. In fact, his season may be over.
Late Monday afternoon, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the team had no intentions to activate Edelman from IR for their Week 16 meeting with the Bills. "It’s unlikely that he plays next week. Edelman’s season is almost certainly over," Rapoport added.
Edelman was place on IR in late October - days before the Patriots' first meeting with the Bills. This was due to a knee procedure, and the reports at the time indicated it wasn't expected to be season ending. Yet with the Patriots now eliminated from playoff contention, it's hard to make a good argument to rush him back.
It's possible Edelman has played his final game in a Patriots uniform. He technically has one more year on his contract, but there's an out that would save the team about $4 million if he's let go this offseason. With a potential retooling of the offense on the way, the team could look to move on from the 34-year-old a year early.
The team made a handful of other roster moves leading up to Monday's game. Defensive lineman Nick Thurman and rookie linebacker Cassh Maluia were both temporarily promoted from the practice squad.
In addition, the Patriots signed center Marcus Martin to the 53-man roster. A third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, Martin has spent the last few years mostly on injured reserve. He began the season with the Detroit Lions, and played two games before being released last week.
Alex BarthWriter
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.
