Another tough blow hits the defending champions New England Patriots as leading receiver Julian Edelman suffered a broken bone in his left foot which requires surgery, but is not expected to keep him out for the season.
Edelman sustained the injury during the last play of the first quarter in the Pats' 27–26 victory over the New York Giants last Sunday.
He made a 12-yard catch but was tackled by Giants linebacker Jasper Brinkley which led to the injury.
In a video provided by NFL.com, Edelman was showed slamming his helmet to the ground in frustration while heading to the bench where he was attended to by New England's staff.
Before leaving the game, Edelman had four receptions for 53 yards, with his departure giving third string receiver Danny Amendola a boost in playing time.
Amendola took advantage of the chance given to him as he had 10 receptions for 79 yards.
According to ESPN, along with Amendola, number four receiver Aaron Dobson also moved a spot in the depth chart because of Edelman's injury. Against New York, Dobson he had one reception for five yards.
Playing in all of the Patriots' nine games so far this season, Edelman has 61 receptions for 692 yards and seven touchdowns.
The 29-year-old receiver's injury is a tough setback for the Pats since in the previous week, they lost running back Dion Lewis for the season after he sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their game against the Washington Redskins.
Edelman and Lewis' absence is challenging for the Patriots who will continue the season and try to remain unbeaten without the two who are key pieces to their offense.
Up next for the champs is a matchup at home on Monday, Nov. 23, with the team second to them in the American Football Conference (AFC) East, the Buffalo Bills, who are holding a 5–4 record.
