Julian Edelman Slated To Play Sunday Against New York Jets

Julian Edelman has continued to participate in practice this week as the Patriots prepare to head to the Meadowlands to square off against Rex Ryan and his ground and pound New York Jets. 

Edelman had missed the last two preseason games and the home opener against the Bengals with a foot injury. 

He won't discuss his chances of playing Sunday, however, he remains optimistic and can't wait to be back on the field.  “I’m real anxious to get back out there," Edelman told the Boston Globe. 

Last season, Edelman became the first Patriots rookie wide receiver to catch two touchdown passes in a playoff game.  He had his first breakout game against the Jets in the Patriots 2009 Week 2 loss, catching eight passes for just under 100 yards. 

With Darrelle Revis suffering from a hamstring injury, the Jets' defensive backs will be focused on stopping Randy Moss and Wes Welker.  Having the elusive Edelman in the slot opposite Welker will give Brady a strong target with the ability to make people miss across the middle. 

A strong start to the preseason helped Edelman establish himself as a potentially deadly special teams threat. 

His ability to return punts relies on Edelman's solid hands and quick acceleration.  He has a low center of gravity, and similar to Welker, can take hits as well as he can avoid them. 

With Edelman in the lineup for Sunday's showdown with the Jets, the Patriots' chances of leaving New Jersey with a notch in the win column increase dramatically.