[UPDATE: Julian Edelman has a complete ACL tear, Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback confirmed Saturday.]
The Patriots fear receiver Julian Edelman tore his right ACL in a non-contact incident during Friday night’s game against Detroit, according to multiple reports.
If the worst news proves accurate, it would rob the defending Super Bowl champions of one of their most effective weapons when it comes to playing the Dolphins.
Three times in the past four years, Edelman enjoyed more success against Miami than any other opponent. Although the stats are skewed because Edelman faces division opponents twice, his numbers against Miami nonetheless jump off the page.
Last season, Edelman totaled 15 receptions for 227 yards in two games against the Dolphins, including an eight-catch, 151-yard day at Hard Rock Stadium.
Similar things happened in 2014 and 2013.
In 2014, he had 13 catches for 183 yards and a TD. In ’13, it was 15 catches, 146 yards and a TD. Both yardage totals were his best against any team.
Edelman played only one game against Miami in 2015, when he had seven receptions for 81 yards.
To put it another way: In seven meetings with the Dolphins since 2013, Edelman has 50 catches, 637 yards (91 yards per game) and five touchdowns.
Edelman limped off the field, unassisted, after the play in question, but was taken to the locker room on a cart.
The Patriots relied on ex-Dolphin Chris Hogan, Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola to beat the Lions 30-28, but Edelman’s injury overshadowed all else.
“He’s a player you can’t really replace, the way he works, the way he plays out on the field, the way he loves the game and the passion he has,” tight end Rob Gronkowski said, according to ESPN. “So we’re just hoping for the best.”
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