Edelman (foot) will meet with the Giants on Thursday, the New York Post reports.

Analysis: The report suggests that Edelman is unlikely to return to the Patriots, though we wouldn't rule that out. When healthy, Edelman can contribute as both a slot receiver and returner.

ESPN's Mike Reiss speculates that that the foot injury that landed Edelman on IR in December is a contributing factor as to why the wideout remains a free agent.

Analysis: With both Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd now out of the mix, the Patriots figure to continue to add wideout depth (in addition to Danny Amendola and Donald Jones) as the offseason progresses. Bringing back Edelman would be a nice boost in the regard and he could also be viewed as an insurance policy for Amendola, whose has had trouble staying healthy the past couple of seasons.

Edelman (foot) finished the 2012 season with 21 catches for 235 yards and three touchdowns in nine games for the Patriots.

Analysis: A broken foot suffered in early December ended Edelman's season, but he's mostly been a role player for the team since entering the league, thanks to the target-gobbling presence of Wes Welker. Both players are free agents this offseason and if Welker bolts and Edelman returns to the Patriots, he could be an intriguing 2013 sleeper.

Julian Edelman out for season; Donte' Stallworth signs

Julian Edelman has played his final snap of the 2012 season for the New England Patriots. Edelman, the team's fourth wide receiver and primary punt returner, has a broken foot that could require surgery, according to WBZ-TV. Edelman was moved to injured reserve on Tuesday.

Analysis: Edelman had become a pretty reliable flex option in recent weeks, so his loss might be felt by more than a few fantasy owners. The WR does some of the same things in the offense as Wes Welker, so look for some of those extra targets to go Welker's direction.

Edelman (foot) was placed on IR on Tuesday, ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Edelman's snaps will primarily go to Brandon Lloyd, but free agent acquisition Donte Stallworth figures to see the field a bit, too.

Julian Edelman: (Foot) Expected Land on IR

Edelman has a broken foot that is likely to require surgery, and he is expected to be headed for injured reserve, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

Analysis: Before Sunday's game against the Dolphins, when Edelman suffered the foot injury, he scored three touchdowns in the previous two games. If he does in fact miss the rest of the season, Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez figure to benefit the most.

Though the Patriots have yet to discuss the extent of Edelman's foot injury, the fact that he left Sun Life Stadium on Sunday with crutches and a walking boot suggests that he will miss some time, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: As does the fact that the Patriots re-signed fellow wideout Donte Stallworth on Monday. Edelman, who checks in with 21 catches for 235 yards with three TDs in nine games, is also a factor as a punt returner, averaging 15.5 yards per return, while taking one to the house for 68 yards in Week 11. We'll have to see if the Patriots release any info beyond Edelman's practice participation, but for now we'll consider him iffy, at best, for Week 14.

Edelman was on crutches and sported a walking boot on his foot after Sunday's win over the Dolphins, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: That's obviously not a good sign and if Edelman is forced to miss time, it could lead to more looks for Brandon Lloyd going forward, as well as a possible depth signing (Deion Branch?) at wideout in the coming days.

Edelman (foot) finished Sunday's win over the Dolphins with one catch for 13 yards on three targets.

Analysis: More importantly, Edelman sustained a foot injury in the game, so his status leading up to next Monday's game against the Texans will need to be monitored in the coming days.

Edelman (concussion) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Edelman his bell rung on Thanksgiving, but he'll be out there Sunday. With Rob Gronkowski out indefinitely, look for Edelman to see added opportunities in the Patriots' offense in the coming weeks, especially in three-wideout sets, which gives him some utility in deeper formats.

Edelman (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: With Edelman having practiced in a limited fashion this week, we suspect that he'll be fine for Sunday's game, but given that he did have his bell rung on Thanksgiving, his status is worth checking by those inclined to use him, given his recent uptick in production.

Edelman (concussion) was limited at practice Thursday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: We suspect that Edelman is fine after suffering a concussion on Thanksgiving, but those inclined to roll with him in Week 13 thanks to his growing role in the New England offense are advised to verify his status prior to Sunday's kickoff, just to be safe.

Edelman (concussion) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Edelman was one of 12 Patriots listed as limited Wednesday, with six players listed as non-participants. The fact that he was able to practice at all is a good sign, but given that he was concussed on Thanksgiving, Edelman's Week 13 status is somewhat cloudy and worth tracking, based on his recent expanded role in the Patriots' offense.

Edelman, who suffered a concussion against the Jets on Thanksgiving, was present at practice Wednesday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Edelman's presence at practice Wednesday indicates that he has passed the first round of his concussion tests, but it's unclear at this point if he's been given the green light for contact yet.

Julian Edelman: (Head) Exits Thursday's Game

Edelman was shaken up by a helmet-to-helmet hit in the third quarter of Thursday's game against the Jets.

Analysis: With the Patriots up 35-3, Edelman could well be done for the day and if he is, then he'll wind up with two catches for 64 yards, including a 56-yard TD, as well as one carry for three yards and a 22-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

Edelman (hand) was on the field for 52-of-61 snaps on offense in Sunday's win over the Colts, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: With Deion Branch having been released and Brandon Lloyd's snap-count cut to 34 on Sunday, Edelman and Wes Welker served as the primary duo in the Patriots' two-receiver sets Sunday, giving the team "a smaller, shiftier tandem" in the words of Reiss. We'll have to see if this trend holds, but Edelman certainly made a case for an expanded role going forward (catching five passes for 58 yards and a TD, rushing once for 47 yards and returning a punt 68 yards for a TD) with his dynamic and versatile effort Sunday.

Edelman recorded five catches (on seven targets) for 58 yards and a touchdown, while rushing once for 47 yards in Sunday's 59-24 win over the Colts.

Analysis: Edelman, who also returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown, made quite an impact on Sunday, moving up a peg on the Patriots' wideout depth chart, with the release of Deion Branch on Saturday. We'd like to see Edelman produce on a consistent basis, before endorsing him as a must-play option, but he certainly made a strong case for an expanded role going forward with his impressive Week 11 performance.

Edelman was on the field for just 17-of-72 plays on offense Sunday against the Bills and didn't have a pass thrown in his direction in the game, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: At this point, it would probably take an injury to Wes Welker (who Edelman has subbed for in the past) for him to be a fantasy lineup option, with Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Deion Branch all seeing significantly more time on the field than Edelman is these days.

Edelman (hand) was on the field for 21-of-69 of the Patriots' offensive snaps in Sunday's game against the Rams, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Brandon Lloyd saw 53 snaps and Deion Branch saw 48, while Wes Welker got in 48 snaps before missing the team's final 12 snaps after tweaking his ankle. Edelman, who was targeted twice in the game, catching one pass for eight yards, now heads into the Patriots' bye week with 13 catches for 100 yards with a TD in five games. At this point, it will probably take a significant Welker injury for Edelman to become a reliable fantasy lineup option.

Edelman (hand) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Analysis: Edelman continues to work behind Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, which as long as he does, he'll be a hit-or-miss fantasy option.

The Patriots list Edleman (hand) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Edelman should be out there Sunday in his second game back from a hand injury, but as long as he works behind Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, his fantasy reliability will be spotty.

Edelman (hand) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Edelman didn't appear to suffer any setbacks in his return to action this past Sunday, so we'll chalk this up to the Patriots' habit of robust injury reporting.

Edelman caught two passes for seven yards in Sunday's overtime win over the Jets.

Analysis: In his return to action, Edelman saw just seven of the Patriots' offensive snaps, while Brandon Lloyd was on the field for 68 snaps and Wes Welker for 64. With Welker back in a groove, Edelman figures to continue to work in a complementary role going forward, assuming the health of both Welker and Lloyd.

Edelman (hand) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Analysis: With Wes Welker having re-established his key role in the New England offense, Edelman figures to be working in a complementary role (behind Welker and Brandon Lloyd), in his return to the field Sunday.

Edelman (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Of the 11 players the Patriots list as questionable this week, Edelman's status remains among the cloudiest. In any case, with Wes Welker having re-established his role in the New England offense, Edelman will be working in a complementary role (behind Welker and Brandon Lloyd) when he does return.

Edelman sported protection on his injured left hand during Thursday's practice, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Edelman is likely headed for a questionable injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets, but unlike some of his teammates who will be listed similarly Friday, we suspect that's a legitimate injury tag for the wideout this week.

Edelman (hand) was listed as limited at Wednesday's practice, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Edelman seems to be progressing, but his status for Sunday's game against the Jets remains unclear at this point.

Edelman (hand) did not make the trip to Seattle with the Patriots and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Edelman has resumed practicing with the team, so a return as soon as next weekend against the Jets seems plausible.

Edelman (hand) was limited at practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Edelman looks pretty iffy this weekend, but even if he does suit up Sunday, he'd presumably be working in a reserve role, given the resurgence of Wes Welker.

Edelman (hand) returned to practice Thursday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Edelman was sporting a black brace on his left hand, which the report notes did not cover his fingers. His presence on the field Thursday is a positive sign to be sure, but Edelman apparently only used his right hand to stretch his legs during the media access portion of practice, so his status for Sunday's game against the Seahawks remains uncertain.

Edelman (hand) did not practice Wednesday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: The Patriots have not elaborated on Edelman's injury, but the suspicion among several of the team's beat writers is that he is dealing with a fractured or broken hand. At this point, we'd be surprised to see him suit up Sunday against Seattle.

Edelman (hand) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Broncos, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: The Patriots have not specified what's ailing Edelman's hand, but at this point one has to wonder if there is a fracture in play. Either way, his absence will continue to pave the way for Wes Welker to see plenty of intrigue/controversy-free targets in the New England offense.

Edelman (hand) did not practice Thursday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: The Patriots haven't said much about Edelman's hand injury, but at this point it doesn't seem especially likely that he'll be available for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Edelman (hand) did not practice Wednesday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: The early-season buzz that Edeleman was poised to make Wes Welker redundant has subsided now that Welker is on pace for 100 catches and sixth in the league with 380 receiving yards to date.

Julian Edelman: (Hand) Out This Week

Edelman (hand) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills, Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston reports.

Analysis: Edelman's absence figures to lead to Wes Welker seeing plenty of snaps and targets on Sunday, with Deion Branch likely in line for some added looks this week as well.

Edelman (hand) did not practice Friday, Joe Buscaglia of WGR550 reports.

Analysis: This is the third straight day of practice Edelman has missed, so his chances of playing Sunday against the Bills look slim.

Edelman (hand) was not present at the beginning of Thursday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston reports.

Analysis: Edelman missed Wednesday's practice with the hand injury, and his status for Week 4 is looking shaky at this point. Even if he plays, his role, if he is less than 100 percent, could diminish some with the addition of Deion Branch to the mix and the recent resurgence of Wes Welker.

Edelman (left hand) did not practice Wednesday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Edelman, who was hurt at the end of the first half of this past Sunday's game against Baltimore, had been seeing increased reps in the New England offense this season, but if he is forced to miss time, starting with Sunday's game against the Bils, it should lead to added looks and snaps for the likes of Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

The Patriots have yet to provide a concrete update on Edelman's left hand issue, csnne.com reports.

Analysis: Coach Bill Belichick noted that Edelman's injury is still being evaluated, so hopefully we'll get a better idea of the wideout's Week 4 status once the Patriots return to practice Wednesday. If Edelman if forced to miss any time, then veteran Deion Branch would be in line for added work.

Edelman had four catches for 28 yards with a touchdown on seven targets before leaving Sunday's game against the Ravens with a hand injury.

Analysis: Edelman was on his way to a decent enough evening before his injury, but Wes Welker (eight catches for 142 yards on 10 targets) and Brandon Lloyd (nine catches for 108 yards on 12 targets) ended up being QB Tom Brady's favorite targets in the Patriots' loss.

Edelman suffered a hand injury in Sunday's game against the Ravens and his return is considered questionable.

Analysis: Prior to exiting the game, Edelman had four catches for 28 yards with a touchdown that he scored late in the second quarter.

Welker could be more involved

Brian Billick isn't one to question Bill Belichick, but he does wonder what the heck the Patriots were doing favoring Julian Edelman over Wes Welker in Week 2. Billick thinks Welker is clearly the better receiver.

Analysis: Fantasy owners should still use Welker as normal given he did see an increase in targets once Aaron Hernandez left the game with injury.

Report: Aaron Hernandez out at least into October

Aaron Hernandez is reportedly out at least into October. The Patriots offense will have to lean on the very-capable hands of Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady's bevy of other receiving options in the meantime.

Analysis: Fantasy owners can rely on Gronkowski and Welker while Hernandez is out, while Julian Edelman becomes a sneaky flex play.

Edelman caught five passes for 50 yards in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis: Interestingly, Edelman started the game over Wes Welker, with Edelman on the field for 75 snaps, while Welker was on for 63. In terms of targets, however, Welker had the edge, with 11 to Edelman's six. If TE Aaron Hernandez is forced to miss time with his ankle injury, then there figures to be more looks for the Patriots' wideouts, with Edelman worth a speculative pickups in deeper formats thanks to his expanded role in the offense out of the gate.

Edelman caught one pass for seven yards in Sunday's win over the Titans.

Analysis: Edleman probably needs a Wes Welker or Brandon Lloyd injury to occur before he emerges as a reliable fantasy option this season.

Edelman is one of just four receivers left on the Patriots' roster following Friday's cut-downs.

Analysis: Edelman's versatility kept him on the roster and while the Patriots are likely to add wideout depth, Edelman is now but an injury (to Wes Welker or Brandon Lloyd) away from an expanded role.

Edelman caught two passes for 24 yards in Monday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Analysis: The competition for wideout spots on the Patriots' final roster (behind Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd) is fierce, but Edelman's versatility should be enough to keep him on the team.

Edelman caught a team-high four passes for 36 yards in Thursday's preseason opener against the Saints.

Analysis: Edelman can play defense and contribute on special teams, plus he can mimic Wes Welker's role in the team's offense when his veteran counterpart is injured. Collectively, that should be enough for him to retain his roster spot with the Patriots.

Edelman finished the 2011 season with four catches for 34 yards.

Analysis: Edelman made his mark as a jack-of-all trades this season, returning punts and kickoffs and seeing part-time work as a defensive back. His role in the New England offense was limited, however, by the good health of Wes Welker, who he essentially backs up.

Charges against Edelman, who had been accused of groping a woman at a nightclub in November, have been dropped Suffolk (Ma.) County prosecutors, the Boston Globe reports. "The evidence suggests that he approached a woman on the dance floor and took her hand briefly. Review of the videotape indicates that the physical contact between the two was fleeting...and did not meet the elements of any crime," prosecutors noted in a statement.

Analysis: With Edelman no longer facing the prospect of indecent assault and battery charges, the Patriots' jack-of-all trades should be able to completely focus on his various on-field roles with the team; receiver, returner and part-time defensive back.

Edelman (back) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

Analysis: Edelman's versatility is more helpful to the Patriots than it is to fantasy owners at this point, with Wes Welker still healthy enough to play.

Edelman (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: We'd expect Edelman to be out there Sunday, but his versatility is more helpful to the Patriots than it is to fantasy owners.

Edelman (back) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Edelman returned a couple of punts in Week 13, but did not catch a pass or record a tackle. He's not worth using in fantasy lineups as long as fellow wideout Wes Welker remains healthy.

Edelman (back) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Analysis: Edelman's versatility has been great for the Patriots, but the stats he accumulates as a wideout, DB and returner generally don't amount to enough to help fantasy owners.

Edelman (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Edelman can work as a receiver, defensive back and returner, but he doesn't rack up enough stats to help fantasy owners, though we do expect him to play Sunday agaisnt the Colts, despite his questionable designation.

Edelman (back) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: It appears as if Edelman should be available for the Patriots on Sunday, be it as a receiver, returner or defensive back.

Edelman (back) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Edelman can help out the Patriots as a receiver, defensive back and returner, but he doesn't rack up enough stats to help fantasy owners at this point.

Edelman did not catch a pass in Sunday's win over the Eagles.

Analysis: Despite his lack of involvement in the passing game Sunday, Edelman made his mark as a punt returner as well as on defense, where he didn't look out of place in making three tackles.