Julian Edelman Injury Consistent With Possible Torn ACL

The New England Patriots are the defending Super Bowl champs with the best QB and head coach in the business. So they know how to handle adjustments.

They may have to make a big adjustment in the near future though as one of their best offensive weapons might be in danger of missing significant time, if not the entire season. In the third preseason game against Detroit, Julian Edelman caught what was a routine pass from Tom Brady. He was running down the field as attempted to make a cut back. At that moment his leg appeared to give out and he crumpled to the ground untouched.

Football fans aren’t dumb. These situations are almost never good, often resulting in injuries of the season-ending variety. Former NFL doctor David Chao confirmed as much when he reviewed the video himself on Twitter.

Trustworthy as the Patriots may be, the loss of Edelman would still be felt. In each of their past Super Bowl championship seasons, the wide receiver averaged over 1,000 yards. He also added over 400 yards and a touchdown on punt returns. Where would they be without his uncanny clutch catching ability as showcased in that ridiculous Super Bowl play?

Perhaps not champions, no matter what the cocky fans might say. Edelman is one of the core members of that offense. He has major chemistry with Brady and now he might be gone. Sources are coming out more and more confirming the same fears. This will put more pressure on Chris Hogan, Brandin Cooks and Malcolm Mitchell to pick up the slack in his absence.

Thankfully they have the endlessly creative Josh McDaniels running the offense. Few understand how to adjust with scheming better than him. Whether that’s enough to maintain their Super Bowl expectations is pure guesswork at this point.