Julian Edelman returned to practice on Monday. The receiver was spotted wearing his jersey, pads and a helmet for the first time this summer since suffering a broken thumb. The news means that Edelman is coming off the non-football injury list and is eligible to play in the preseason – if the Patriots want him to suit up.
Edelman’s setback happened weeks prior to training camp. He broke the thumb during an offseason workout, away from Gillette Stadium. So far, the injury cost him to miss all 14 training camp practices and two preseason games. Edelman, however, has been present at each practice, working out.
Last week, in Nashville, Edelman put in work with the Patriots training staff before each practice began. The receiver looked good while running ladder and hurdle drills. Edelman’s return on Monday is a big boost for an offense that could soon get Gordon back. With Rob Gronkowski retired, Edelman is likely to be Tom Brady’s No. 1 target.
Receivers Phillip Dorsett, Maurice Harris and N’Keal Harry were all present and in pads on Monday. None of those three receivers played against the Titans due to injuries.
According to a source, the Patriots have informed Ryan Allen that they’ll be releasing him. In the end, the veteran punter lost a position battle with rookie Jake Bailey, who has impressed with his big leg and ability to handle kickoffs.
It shouldn’t take Allen long to find another job in the NFL. The seven-year veteran is coming off a fantastic performance in Super Bowl LIII. In the Patriots championship win, three of Allen’s five punts were pinned inside the Los Angeles Ram’s 10-yard line.
Last year’s Super Bowl win was Allen’s third with the Patriots.
Last season, Allen averaged 45.1 yards per punt and pinned 21 punts inside the 20-yard line. Allen has been solid for the Patriots over the last six seasons.
In April, the Patriots traded up to drafted Bailey in the fifth round, pick 163rd overall. In training camp, he’s showed off a big leg.
In two preseason games, the rookie has punted twice for 45 yards and 54 yards. He’s also able to handle kickoff duty, which would relieve kicker Stephon Gostkowski.
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