New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman was not present for the team’s first practice in Week 15 ahead of a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to reporters on the scene. The Patriots are managing Edelman’s load amid a rash of injuries this season, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
Edelman was limping in Week 14, but stayed in to the end of the game, and was the intended target on an incompletion on a fourth-and-goal on the Patriots’ final offensive play.
Edelman has been listed with chest and shoulder injuries during the course of the season, but was listed with just the shoulder in Week 14. The Patriots will announce his formal participation and his injury later on Wednesday afternoon.
The Patriots receiver has long refused to address injuries, but despite clear physical problems, he is having the best season of his career with 90 receptions for 1,010 yards and six touchdowns. He has been the most integral skill player in New England’s offense not named Tom Brady.
Edelman wasn’t the only absentee on Wednesday. Defensive tackle Byron Cowart wasn’t present. Center Ted Karras, who was absent for all of Week 13, made his return on Wednesday.
