Julian Edelman needs just two more weeks of recovery before making his highly anticipated return.
The Patriots wide receiver, who suffered a broken left foot in a Week 10 win over the Giants, is expected to return the first week in January for the team's Week 17 matchup against the Dolphins, NFL.com reported Sunday.
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"Now the thought is that Edelman should be on the field for Week 17 for the Patriots, assuming there is anything to play for, which is big because, one, rehab is going well, but, two, it will get him acclimated to be really ready to go when the postseason starts," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said, noting that Edelman's rehab is "going incredibly well."
The Patriots had hoped Edelman would make his return Sunday against the Titans, especially after looking "crisp and quick" as he practiced in pads this week for the first time since suffering the injury. He is officially listed as doubtful on the team's injury report.
New England has dealt with its share of injuries this season, briefly missing tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Danny Amendola to knee injuries before losing running back LeGarrette Blount for the season to a hip injury in last Sunday's win over the Texans.
Despite multiple injury scares, the Patriots clinched the AFC East and will look to secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.