The New England Patriots may have Julian Edelman ready to return in Week 15 after the wide receiver was able to practice, while Rob Gronkowski is expected to start after practicing in full heading into the game against the Titans. The team has Brandon Bolden and James White as fantasy options with LeGarrette Blount out, while Montee Ball could be promoted to the roster soon.
The Patriots have dealt with numerous injuries on offense this season and now the team has to overcome the loss of LeGarrette Blount. According to Pro Football Talk, Blount is out for the season with a hip injury and has been placed on injured reserve. Blount follows Dion Lewis as running backs that have been lost for the season for the Patriots and now James White and Brandon Bolden will get the chance to handle the load in Week 15 of the season.
The Patriots tried out Steven Jackson this week and the team also has Montee Ball on the practice squad and there is a chance he could be promoted at some point. According to ESPN.com, Ball said that he is willing to do whatever the Patriots need him to do and that if his number is called, "I'm going to do what I can." Ball was previously with the Denver Broncos before getting cut and he now has the chance to make an impact with Blount out for the year.
White and Bolden have both been getting increased touches since Lewis went down and now that Blount is out it could be a two-back rotation for this week. Bolden likely will be the early down back and White could get more opportunities on third down and in the passing game. Fantasy owners in the playoffs should look at both players as options for this week and keep an eye on Ball and whether the Patriots add him to the active roster.
Julian Edelman has been able to return to practice for the Patriots after having foot surgery earlier in the season and he potentially could play this weekend. Jim McBride at the Boston Globe reported that Edelman looked "crisp and quick" on Wednesday in practice and that is a good sign for him making a comeback during the regular season. If Edelman can't play this week, there is a good chance he could return for Week 16.
Rob Gronkowski has been able to practice in full this week and he is ready to go again for the Patriots after dealing with a knee injury. Gronkowski had no setbacks against the Texans and was able to play on 43-of-69 snaps on offense. Gronkowski scored another touchdown and he comes in with 61 catches for 1018 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. With another offensive player down in Blount, the health of Gronkowski and Edelman will be key for the Patriots in the playoffs.
