Patriots Players React to Julian Edelman Return at Practice

The New England Patriots had to add enough strength to their offense. Well, veteran wideout Julian Edelman returned to practice on Wednesday. This was his first practice since Week 7.

The Patriots wideout had to undergo a knee procedure. New England placed Edelman on injured reserve, and then he ended up on the COVID-19 list. Edelman was able to collect 21 receptions for 315 yards in six games. He had an incredible performance in the game against the Seattle Seahawks, stacking eight receptions for 179 yards.

In 14 weeks of play, Edelman made the top of the list in New England. He is the third best receiver in yards with 315. Jakobi Meyers has 5050 and Damiere Byrd has 566. Everyone missed Edelman on the field, and veteran quarterback Cam Newton wanted to have him back so bad. Newton developed a connection with Edelman.

Julian Edelman surprised players at practice

Patriots players are not expected to make the playoffs this season, but they can do their best to win the next three games. Edelman is here now, and his teammates had incredible reaction to his return.

“I think everybody took note of him,” Gunner Olszewski said. “I was talking to him just yesterday, I was telling him, ‘I hope you’re out there.’ It gives us a little spark of energy. It’s Julian. He sets the tone. He’s been set the tone for not on the receiver room, but I think the team, for a long time. Having him out there, I think it brought a little spark back to everybody — a little pep in your step. JE11’s out there. That’s what I told him. I said, ‘It’s awesome having you out there.’”

Damiere Byrd was excited to see Edelman join the team. Patriots players don’t want to see their teammates hurt.

“It was great to be able to see somebody like him get back on the field. You never want to see a teammate get hurt. So being able to have him back after a number of weeks is exciting. I know he’s worked his tail off to get back on the field better. So I’m excited to see how he progressed.”

Joe Thuney praised Edelman’s leadership skills and his energy. He said, “Jules is a great leader, a lot of energy. So he’s just a great guy to have back. And yeah, I’m glad he’s back.”