Edelman returned to the active roster after starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The fifth year wide receiver has been out since breaking a bone in his right foot in week 13 last season, and also suffered a setback in late spring which caused him to miss all organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.
In returning to action so early in training camp, Edelman's knowledge of the offense gives him a leg up in the crowded competition for as few as five roster spots.
With rookies Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce and Kenbrell Thompkins shining, Danny Amendola being as talented as advertised and Matthew Slater retaining a roster spot by default as a special team's ace, Edelman has little room for error.
Former Bears and Bills' practice squader Kamar Aiken is also having an excellent camp, adding to the difficulty level for Edelman
At his best, the former Kent State University quarterback is a lightning quick and shifty open field runner who runs precise routes and ably separates down the field as a vertical threat and is a seasoned punt returner - however, his durability is a concern as he missed significant time in 2012 with concussions and the broken foot, and he's returning to the Patriots on a one year "prove it" contract to show that the injury history is just that - history.
Edelman also represents the only wide receiver on the roster that caught a pass from quarterback Tom Brady last season, so his familiarity may help his cause, though coach Bill Belichick is approaching Edelman's situation cautiously.
"He has some ground to make up." Belichick said this afternoon, "We'll see how it goes."
Certainly not a ringing endorsement, but Edelman can change that tone by being dynamic with his opportunity.
In other news out of Gillette Stadium today, the Patriots have waived long-shot defensive back Stephon Morris and added two camp bodies, Defensive end Travis Chappelear out of Northwest Missouri State and wide receiver Johnathan Haggerty, who came out of Southwest Oklahoma state in 2010 and has had brief stops in Cleveland and Chicago.
With the release of Morris today and the signings of wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei and defensive lineman Scott Vallone yesterday, the Patriots' camp roster again stands at the 90 man limit.
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