According to a story by the Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian today, Julian Edelman is not expected to play the entire 2021 season.

Edelman’s troublesome knee injury is expected to keep him sidelined for part of next season.

How long before Edelman returns is anyone’s guess but it sounds like he is going to miss the start of the season. With the Patriots already thin at receiver, not having Edelman is a loss. The Patriots added free agents Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholar in free agency along with free agent tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. All four project to be the top four targets in the offense but the Patriots need to sign another receiver. Especially if they trade N’Keal Harry.

With the draft three weeks from tonight, the Patriots could address the need in the draft or look to add another veteran free agent. Dameire Byrd is still a free agent as are old friends Cordarrelle Patterson and Danny Amendola. Golden Tate is also out there but there is a good chance the Patriots address the position in the draft.

I know that is disheartening to hear for Patriots fans given the team’s inability to draft well at the receiver position through the years. However, that may be their best option if they want to find a suitable replacement for Edelman.

You hope Edelman somehow recovers from this knee injury but given his age and the injury, it will be a long road ahead. Hopefully Edelman makes it back. You would hate to see his career end like this.