The New England Patriots might be undefeated, but the team's climb to the Super Bowl just got a little bit steeper. The team is coming off a solid win against the New York Giants, but the victory came at a cost. Already playing without breakout star Dion Lewis, the Patriots must now get by without Julian Edelman who suffered a broken foot in Week 10.
--UPDATE: Nicks has signed with the Giants.
According to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, Edelman suffered a broken foot and will undergo surgery. He left the game in the first quarter and did not return to the field. According to Reiss, there is hope that Edelman can come back and play this season, but there are no real guarantees that will happen. That means the Patriots are now without their leading receiver who had 639 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. According to ESPN's Stats & Info, he played on 87.7 percent of the team's offensive snaps and was one of Tom Brady's favorite safety blankets.
The Patriots have to add someone to the roster. They simply cannot afford to let that spot stay open. After Lewis was ruled out for the season, the Patriots worked out Pierre Thomas and Robert Turbin for help, but ultimately did not make a move to sign anyone. They cannot afford the same luxury with Edelman's injury. Reggie Wayne might be the best available right now considering he has experience in the Patriots' offense following a very brief stint with the team. Hakeem Nicks is also available. Terrelle Pryor is also an option although not an ideal one.
For the short-term, the Patriots will turn to Danny Amendola who excelled following the injury against the Giants. He put up 79 yards off 10 catches once his role increase. Brandon LaFell will be relied upon heavily as well while Aaron Dobson will see an increase in responsibility as well. Brady noted after the game that he liked the way Amendola stepped up for the team having one of his better games since arriving in New England.
"He's a great player for us and he always comes up big when we need him," Brady said, via ESPN.com.
That is still not enough for Brady who can make something out of nothing normally, but losing Edelman is a real hit. Make no mistake, the Patriots are still favorites with out without the wide receiver. Their defense is improving. Brady continues to play at a high level. Even without two of their top offensive stars in the mix, the Patriots are a favorite to go all the way.