The New England Patriots are not activating wide receiver Julian Edelman from the Injured Reserve prior to Monday's game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Patriots have been eliminated from the playoff race, so it hardly makes sense to rush Edelman back to action. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the veteran wideout's season is essentially at a close.
The #Patriots are not activating WR Julian Edelman from Injured Reserve today, which is not a surprise. And it’s unlikely that he plays next week. Edelman’s season is almost certainly over — and at age 34, his future is uncertain, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2020
It was a frustrating year for the Patriots.
Edelman has played in just six games, totaling 21 receptions for 315 yards and failing to get in the end zone. He looked to be bothered by his knee all throughout the early part of the year, finally undergoing surgery after Week 7. The 34-year-old has not played since.
As Rapoport suggested, Edelman's future with the Pats is unclear. He is a franchise favorite and one of the foremost playoff opportunists of this era, routinely showing up in the biggest of games. But Edelman is also an aging receiver on a roster in transition.
The Patriots are projected to have among the most salary cap in football this upcoming spring. It is entirely possible they could add to that cap value by cutting Edelman, a move that would save over $3 million in cash.
Bill Belichick has respect for gritty guys like Edelman, but he also does not hesitate to move on from aging skill position players, especially slot guys like Edelman (see: Wes Welker).
The 2020 season has not gone as New England fans hoped it would, and Edelman's potential departure would be another reminder the days of yore are in the rearview mirror.
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