The Patriots received a pleasant surprise Sunday when wide receiver Julian Edelman was activated from the physically unable to perform list and returned to practice.
Edelman, who since November had undergone two surgeries to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot, was activated from the PUP list earlier than expected. His Week 1 status was never in doubt.
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The shifty slot receiver caught 61 balls for 692 yards and seven scores over nine games a year ago. His ability to work the seams alleviates coverage against tight end Rob Gronkowski down field.