LeGarrette Blount won't play Week 1 for New England and -- barring some sort of turnaround in his four-game suspension -- neither will Tom Brady. Will Julian Edelman be held out, too?
The Patriots wide receiver remains uncertain if he'll suit up against Pittsburgh after suffering a leg injury at the start training camp.
Since injuring the leg on Aug. 2, Edelman has been limited to mental reps while awaiting medical clearance from team doctors. The "feeling," according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, is that the seventh-year pass-catcher is close to returning.
"Any time you're not able to go out there and play it's difficult, but it's part of the game," Edelman said. "I'm just working hard, doing everything I can each and every day to improve myself each and every day."
It's premature to fret over his status, but if Edelman can't make the opener, the Patriots will find themselves short at the position, with Brandon LaFell also looming as a candidate to open the season on the physically unable to perform list with a foot injury. Put it all together and it's fair to wonder if Reggie Wayne has a better shot to make this squad than some expected.
Here's more of Wednesday's injury news we learned:
- Newly signed Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galettesuffered a torn Achilles during practice, a source apprised of the injury told NFL Media's Albert Breer. The extent of the injury was determined after Galette underwent an MRI exam.
- Denver Broncos wideout Emmanuel Sanders didn't practice, according to the Denver Post. Sanders said he is day-to-day, and he's expected to return to practice this week.
- Johnny Manziel has made little progress on his sore elbow and likely won't play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine said. "He's still experiencing a little soreness. It hasn't bounced back," Pettine said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. For now, the Browns will err on the side of caution with their 2014 first-round pick.
- Arizona Cardinals wideout Michael Floyd isn't catching yet, but said he could return for the season opener, according to the team's official website.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Jordy Nelson's knee injury and gives its winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason.