Wes Welker Primes for Surgery, Julian Edelman Waits in the Shadows

New England Patriots star receiver Wes Welker is expected to have surgery on his left knee next week.

Welker tore both his ACL and MCL in Week 17 and was forced to miss New England's first-round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Welker's surgery date will make it 30 days since he injured the knee, and a surgery so far into the new year puts him in great danger of starting the 2010 NFL season on the physically unable to perform list.

While the Patriots may face questions about adding additional talent and depth at the position in free agency, they may also be forced to spend a draft pick on a potential replacement.

There is no certainty as to whether or not Welker, 28, will recover and play at the level he was playing at prior to the injury.

After three consecutive seasons with at least 111 receptions, Welker is in danger of missing the season opener, and he will almost certainly take a backseat to second-year man Julian Edelman upon his initial return.

There has also been talk that New England could look for a slot receiver with Welker's skill set in April's draft. Welker is nearing 30, and recovery from such an injury can often take up to two years—or never—in reference to speed, agility, confidence, and cutting ability.

Fantasy Perspective

In the fantasy realm, this takes Welker out of the top 10, as he isn't a lock to be ready for the first six games—and there's no telling what kind of form he'll be in when the season rolls around.

Edelman's stock has been on the rise for the past month now, and he is easily among the top 50 fantasy receiver options for 2010.

In filling in for an injured Welker earlier in the season, Edelman had an impressive game, with eight catches for 98 yards. He also raised some eyebrows when he delivered a 10-catch performance after Welker went down in Week 17.

He went on to score New England's only two touchdowns in the Patriots' playoff loss the following week, solidifying him as a legit fantasy sleeper for 2010, with potential to rise depending on Welker's status.

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