Belichick has semi-encouraging update on Edelman's status originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
When will Julian Edelman return to the New England Patriots this season?
That question has persisted over the last few weeks: The team expects the wide receiver to return to action at some point after undergoing a knee procedure in October, but there are just three games left in the regular season.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shared the latest on Edelman in a video conference Wednesday, and it sounds like there's at least some progress being made.
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"I’d put him in the day-to-day category,” Belichick told reporters. "When he’s ready, we’ll start him. If he’s not ready, he’ll keep working and we’ll wait until he’s ready."
Edelman still is on injured reserve and was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list on Nov. 30. He's eligible to return at any point, though, and it appears the Patriots are taking the same approach with their top wide receiver.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Dec. 6 that Edelman was still "a couple weeks away," and by that timeline, he potentially could suit up Sunday against the Dolphins in Miami.
The 34-year-old receiver didn't practice Monday, however, so unless he takes the field Wednesday, it's unlikely he'll be active against Miami.
That would leave New England's final two games against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets for Edelman to return after being sidelined since Week 7.
Edelman would provide a must-win boost to the Patriots' paper-thin receiver corps, but it might be too little too late: The team is virtually eliminated from playoff contention and would need a miracle to make the postseason.
Still, Edelman could use the final weeks of the season as an opportunity to build toward 2021 and build some rapport with Cam Newton ... or Jarrett Stidham.
