The last thing the New England Patriots want is an injury to a star player in their final preseason game.
And it appears they dodged that bullet Thursday night.
Julian Edelman caught one pass for 20 yards about three minutes into action against the New York Giants but appeared to land awkwardly on the same thumb he broke earlier this summer.
The 33-year-old wide receiver came out of the game shaking his left hand and didn't return, which obviously is cause for concern. He also didn't speak to reporters after the game.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, though, Edelman's hand is fine.
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#Patriots WR Julian Edelman left last night's preseason game earlier than planned, but my understanding is he did not re-injure his thumb. And his hand, the one he landed on, is fine. A minor scare for Edelman, but nothing major. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2019
It seems the Patriots were just being cautious by holding Edelman out and likely wouldn't have kept him in much longer, anyway.
Edelman's absence also allowed wideouts Demaryius Thomas and Josh Gordon to get increased reps, which they both took advantage of Thursday night in the Patriots' 31-29 loss to the Giants.
As for Edelman? He killed the remaining time by doing yoga with his quarterback on the sideline.
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