New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman ruled out for season with torn ACL
Sunday 27 August 2017 16:59, UK
New England Patriots star receiver Julian Edelman will miss the upcoming NFL season after suffering a serious knee injury, the team confirmed on Saturday.
Edelman, 31, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during New England's pre-season game against the Detroit Lions on Friday.
The injury came in a non-contact incident in the team's opening drive. Edelman limped from the field before being ferried back to the locker room on a medical cart.
US media reports said Saturday an MRI scan had confirmed Edelman's knee injury.
The news is a huge blow to the reigning Super Bowl champions. Edelman has been quarterback Tom Brady's favoured receiver over the past four seasons, gathering 356 receptions for 3,826 yards and 20 touchdowns in that period.
Edelman also pulled off a miracle catch in the Super Bowl last season to help the Patriots secure their record come-from-behind victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Brady reacted to news of Edelman's injury on Saturday by posting a picture of the two players locked in an embrace with a simple one-word caption: "Gladiator".
Other Patriots were similarly stunned by the news. Receiver Danny Amendola posted a message of support on Twitter.
Edelman's popularity across the NFL ensured even players from rival teams offered words of support, notably the Seattle Seahawks defensive stalwart Richard Sherman.
