The New England Patriots have been trending in the right direction after a slow start to the season that has elevated them atop of the AFC East standings currently riding a three-game win streak.

The Patriots may have to keep an eye on the health of wide receiver Julian Edelman after his limited participation in practice on Wednesday due to a heel injury, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Patriots receiver Julian Edelman was limited at practice Wednesday with a heel injury.

Edelman has played in each of the last two games after returning from a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He has been quite productive over that span hauling in 11 catches on 16 targets for 111 receiving yards and a touchdown. Edelman has posted at least four catches for more than 50 yards in each contest.

The Patriots are likely taking a precautionary approach with the injury given the type of injury and his importance to the offensive game plan as one of the primary options in the passing game. This shouldn't draw any concern just yet unless he were to miss practice because of it later in the week. If he's able to continue to stay the course even on a limited basis, he should be in line to take the field in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears.

New England has had an uptick of offensive production with Edelman back in the mix notching more than 35 points in each of the last three weeks. His presence gives star quarterback Tom Brady another formidable receiving threat alongside former Pro Bowl wideout Josh Gordon, and tight end Rob Gronkowksi. If he's unable to give it a go, the Patriots will look to depend more heavily upon Gordon, Gronkowski, wide receiver Chris Hogan, and running back James White.