While the New England Patriots are preparing for life without quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games of the regular season, Brady may also be without both Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola at the start of training camp.
At risk to possibly miss training camp and perhaps even the start of the regular season, Amendola is currently on the mend from undergoing knee and ankle surgery according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe.
Furthermore, Edelman could be in danger of missing time this summer as well after having another surgery on his left foot. Brady’s shifty No. 1 receiver missed seven games last season after he fractured his foot.
Per Volin, both Edelman and Amendola could remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list when the regular season starts. If so, then they would have to sit out for the first six games of the season.
This forecast, combined with Brady’s four-game suspension, could spell disaster early on for New England. While the Patriots will be getting Jimmy Garoppolo up to speed during training camp, it sure would be handy for him to have both Edelman and Amendola on hand to practice with.
Beyond Edelman and Amendola, New England has Chris Hogan and veteran Nate Washington on the team’s depth chart. A slew of other veterans follow as well as rookies Malcolm Mitchell and Devin Lucien, whom the Patriots selected in rounds four and seven in this year’s draft.
The team needs to knock on wood that tight end Rob Gronkowski remains healthy throughout his summer escapades and through training camp to hold the team together. Free agent tight end Martellus Bennett also helps as far as reinforcements go.
As training camp approaches, the Patriots should have a better idea as to the prognosis of both Edelman and Amendola.
The first preseason game for the Patriots takes place at home on August 11 against the New Orleans Saints.