Good news for New England Patriots fans: wide receiver Julian Edelman will play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
#Patriots WR Julian Edelman (knee) is officially active.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 18, 2020
Edelman has been dealing with a knee injury that has limited him in practice throughout the season, including this week. The veteran wideout has been listed as questionable for each of the Patriots’ last few games, but hasn’t missed a start.
Edelman would have been a limited participant at practice on Friday, but New England’s in-person activities were cancelled after a positive COVID-19 test from center James Ferentz, who was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and will miss Sunday’s game.
The matchup between the Patriots and Broncos was rescheduled from last Monday night after multiple members of Patriots personnel, including QB Cam Newton and CB Stephon Gilmore, tested positive for COVID-19. Both are set to play on Sunday.
Through four games, Edelman has 18 receptions for 294 yards in his first season without Tom Brady throwing him the ball.
Edelman hauled in eight catches for 179 yards in New England’s 35-30 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, but he has just 10 receptions for 115 yards in the Patriots’ other three games. He has yet to find the end zone in 2020.
He was on the field early on Sunday morning for his usual pre-game workout routine, which gave a pretty good indication that he was ready to go for the 1 p.m. ET kick off at Gilette Stadium.
Regular warmup routine for Julian Edelman (red shirt) and Jarrett Stidham. pic.twitter.com/d0iBStxFPk
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 18, 2020
For the Broncos, QB Drew Lock, who was also listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury, is expected to make his first start since Week 2.
Broncos’ QB Drew Lock, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Patriots due to a shoulder injury, is expected to start, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2020