Julian Edelman has been suspended from the team for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. This means that Tom Brady will be without his trusted receiver for a while this season. Edelman has appealed the suspension.
As a result of the suspension, Edelman will miss the first four regular-season games against the Texans, Jaguars, Lions, and Dolphins. This setback comes after Edelman missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL.
The Patriots’ offense is now weakened by Edelman’s suspension, especially after losing Danny Amendola and trading Brandin Cooks. Brady will have to wait until Week 5 to have Edelman back for the game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Edelman’s suspension raises questions about how Bill Belichick will adjust the roster for the regular season. During training camp, there was intense competition among wide receivers, including Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Hogan, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kenny Britt, Braxton Berrios, Phillip Dorsett, Jordan Matthews, and Cody Hollister.
Brady and his teammates usually work out any early-season kinks before hitting their stride. However, Edelman’s suspension is expected to disrupt this process in the 2018 season.
In response to the news, Alex Guerrero, known for his work with Tom Brady and Edelman, expressed disappointment. Guerrero emphasized that athletes follow natural, legal methods for training and working with various coaches and health professionals is part of the process. He dismissed any suggestions of impropriety.
Following the suspension news, attention has turned to Alex Guerrero, who has distanced himself from Edelman despite their previous work together.
