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Julian Edelman is a guy that has been up and down in his NFL career with the New England Patriots. He has battled injuries throughout his four year career with the team. With Danny Amendola and Josh Boyce as potential slot receivers this year for New England and Leon Washington most likely to assume a kick and/or punt return role, Edelman may be on the verge of losing a roster spot for this team. If he were to get hurt again this year, the Patriots may decide to cut ties with the injury-prone receiver.
Edelman caught three passes for 31 yards in the Patriots’ opening preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, looking somewhat impressive in the win. However, Edelman must continue to impress in order to earn a spot on this team. In the past, Edelman has possessed value as a kick returner and has stuck with the team based solely on his ability to return kicks.
Now, with guys like Boyce, Amendola, and most importantly, Washington to handle those duties, Edelman may find himself on the outside looking in this year. Edelman needs to prove he can stay on the field if he is to stick with the team in 2013.
The only reason that he may stay, even if he were to suffer another injury, is because he is one of the only receivers on the roster with sufficient NFL experience. He does know the system and has filled in every once in a while when Wes Welker would miss a game due to a injury.
During those games, he built a nice rapport with Tom Brady, filling in admirably for Welker. That was in the past, however, and Edelman may be on the bubble for a 53-man roster spot in September, especially if he fails to impress throughout the preseason.
Do you think Edelman will make the final roster? Should he make it? Should he be cut? Feel free to comment on the subject in the “comments” section below.
