Two breakout games and then a broken foot, Patriots move Julian Edelman to IR ending his season.
Patriots Re-Sign Donte’ Stallworth; Place Julian Edelman on IR; Release Mitch Petrus; Signed 2 to Practice Squad: patriots.com/news/article-1…
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 4, 2012
The real impact of this will be felt in the punt return game where Edelman’s explosiveness is irreplaceable. Now the Patriots will be forced to use Wes Welker more in that role and he’s already dinged up as it is. Perhaps they’ll see if Donte Stallworth has anything to offer in that area.
Not a crippling blow but definitely a significant loss that will have to be overcome, with no clear depth for replacement.