Just two weeks ago, the Patriots boasted one of the best group of skill position "triplets" in the league: Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Dion Lewis. Now they are just down to Gronk.
Edelman broke a bone in his foot Sunday against the Giants and NFL Media's Albert Breer reported the receiver had a screw inserted into the foot Monday and will be out 6-8 weeks, per a source briefed on the injury.
Edelman, who was injured on the final play of the first quarter, was on pace to top 100 catches and 1,300 yards. Danny Amendola helped make up for Edelman's production on Sunday with ten catches for 79 yards, but the Patriots offense is simply not the same without Edelman. He and Lewis gave opponents matchup nightmares, and the team is much more limited in what they can do now. New England was also missing its top three offensive tackles for Sunday's win in New York.
Although Tom Brady was able to engineer a comeback this week, their road to a Super Bowl got a lot harder this week. Brandon LaFell, Aaron Dobson, and Scott Chandler will be among the players that Brady leans on. Edelman is also an excellent punt returner.
At 9-0, the Patriots can afford to think about Edelman's status for the playoffs. New England is already two games in front of Denver for a potential playoff bye, and the divisional round of the playoffs is nine weeks away. That feels like a lifetime in the NFL, and the Patriots will adjust without Edelman in the meantime. Adjusting is what Bill Belichick does best.
