Just as I was feeling pretty good about how things stacked up on the PUP, we get our very first bad news of the 2019 season with Julian Edelman expected to miss the opening weeks of training camp with a thumb injury.
Usually a surprise injury report like this just days away from camp is a kick in the nuts but honestly, at this stage of Edelman’s career and where the Pats are at with receivers, it might be a blessing in disguise just as last year’s four-game suspension was for both the team and their most reliable receiver.
There’s no secret that Edelman is really the only sure thing right now for the Patriots receiver corps. Yes, N’Keal Harry looks like a stud and should step right in but there’s always a bit of pause when counting on rookie receivers to carry the load.
Now, the Patriots will be forced to give the lesser-known guys a lot of reps with Tom Brady. The most immediate guys to benefit? Maurice Harris and Braxton Berrios, who both are looking to secure roles that play a large part out of the slot as Edelman does.
There’s also something reassuring knowing that Edelman won’t have a season-ending injury in the early days of camp. I’m sure he’s frustrated that he can’t go immediately, but getting Edelman to January is one of the most critical factors for the Patriots to make a run at a seventh Super Bowl.
If the Patriots are able to more quickly develop some complementary pieces to Edelman because he’s sidelined, it will be a big boost. They’re at a critical point and need to find the next generation of players to catch Tom Brady’s passes and this should only quicken the process.
It’s critical that guys like Berrios and Harris stay on the field and make every rep count.