Update Emerges On Julian Edelman’s Health After Shoulder Surgery

Patriots’ wide receiver Julian Edelman dealt with a lot of injuries during the 2019 season. But that shouldn’t sideline him this spring. He will be ready to return for the team’s offseason program after undergoing shoulder surgery last week.

Patriots’ WR Julian Edelman underwent a shoulder procedure last week that is said to involve “not a lengthy rehab” and is expected to have him ready for the team’s offseason program, per league source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2020

In addition to the shoulder surgery, Edelman also suffered rib, chest and knee injuries. This caused him to miss almost all Patriots practices from Week 4 through the end of the season. He played in every game, however, leading all New England pass-catchers with 100 passes. He also scored a career-high 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.

When he injured his knee, there were speculations that Edelman is dealing with an acute partial tear of the tendon.

“If the tendon is weakened by tendonitis or partial tearing, there is a risk of worsening of the tear or complete rupture of the tendon,” wrote Dr. Jessica Flynn from Boston Sports Journal wrote. “Unfortunately, we are unable to predict when or if that will happen, but it is often preceded by symptoms of tendonitis. A fully torn patellar tendon requires surgery, has a prolonged recovery, and a return to the previous level of play in the NFL is very, very difficult. On average, a full patellar tendon tear is much more difficult to recover from than an ACL tear.”

Edelman Ready For The 2020 Season

The almost 34-year-old has two years remaining on his Patriots contract. He’s one of seven receivers New England currently has locked up for the 2020 season. Mohamed Sanu, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski are also in. 2019 practice squadders Devin Ross and Quincy Adeboyejo will also join the next season’s roster.

Alongside Tom Brady, Phillip Dorsett and special teamer Matthew Slater will also hit free agency March 18.