Julian Edelman: Impact of Receiver's Injury on Wes Welker, Patriots' Attack

A few weeks ago, many believed Julian Edelman was well on his way to becoming the next Wes Welker in the New England Patriots' offensive attack. 

Fast forward to the present. 

Welker's fresh off a masterful yet typical eight-catch, 142-yard performance against the Baltimore Ravens, and Edelman's hurt. 

So much for Welker being phased out of the offense. 

According to ESPN Boston's Mike Rodak, Edelman did not practice on Wednesday.

"

Logan Mankins (hip) and Julian Edelman (hand) not spotted at Wednesday shells practice. Joins Francis, Deaderick, Hernandez (also out)

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) September 26, 2012"

The four-year pro out of Kent State suffered an undisclosed injury to his hand near the end of the first half in Week 3 and did not return in the second half. 

New England's offense racked up 396 total yards against the Ravens without Aaron Hernandez, and now there's a chance Edelman may be on the sideline for this weekend's AFC East showdown against the Buffalo Bills. 

Though there's been no definitive word on the severity of Edelman's injured hand or his status for Sunday, if he can't go, his absence will certainly have an impact on the Patriots' offensive game plan and how much Welker factors in.

Right?

Firstly, if you look at the numbers, the masses may have jumped the gun on Welker's diminishing role in the offense.

Sure, he was held to three receptions for 14 yards in the season opener, but the game was a 34-13 blowout over the Tennessee Titans. He still had three more targets (five) than Edelman's two. 

Since then, Welker's been featured as prominently in the offense as normal. He caught five passes for 95 yards on 11 targets in the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. 

We know what he did on Sunday Night Football in Week 3. 

If Edelman can't go—a guy who's been given 15 targets in two and half games—expect Welker to receive even more targets against the Bills. 

Also, keep in mind what Welker did to Chan Gailey's bunch when the Pats traveled to Orchard Park last year. 

He caught 16 passes for 217 yards with two touchdowns and brought smiles to all his fantasy owners. 

Don't forget about this new-look Bills team, either. 

Their defensive line is significantly upgraded and has been extremely stingy the last two weeks. Though the Patriots have been more dedicated to the run this year than last (95 rushes compared to 69 through three games in 2011) it's unlikely that they attempt to ride Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead to victory.

So, given Buffalo's bolstered defensive front and Brady's success implementing an up-tempo, pass-heavy attack against the Ravens last week, expect Welker to be the focal point on Sunday. Brandon Lloyd enters the game leading the team in targets, but don't be stunned if Welker matches or exceeds is target total. 

Outside of Welker, Deion Branch's role should be expanded, too. 

Without Hernandez and possibly without Edelman, expect Tom Brady and Co. to be fast-paced against Buffalo, and for Welker to be, well, Welker. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso