Julian Edelman

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's performance enhancing drugs policy.

Fantasy Impact

He's appealing the suspension, but as most players learn, it's not likely to change. This is a massive blow to a now 32-year-old wide receiver who is trying to make his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered last preseason. You also have to wonder if this is the reason the Patriots signed Jordan Matthews late in the free agency process, as he can likely fill the void left by Edelman. All of a sudden, Chris Hogan looks more and more like a WR2 to start the season, though his production would dip when Edelman returned to the lineup. As for Edelman, he's someone who shouldn't be drafted as a top-50 wide receiver, as the first four weeks of the season are the most important when it comes to waiver wire acquisition.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman has a complete ACL tear in his right knee after MRI results came back.

Fantasy Impact

This news means Edelman will be out for the season. Chris Hogan gets a big bump in targets as he should move into Edelman's role. Hogan should be considered in all fantasy drafts as he could have a breakout year with the additional targets.

After suffering an injury in the Patriots' third preseason game, Julian Edelman is believed to have torn his ACL.

Fantasy Impact

This is a huge blow for teams that drafted Edelman before today. Rob Gronkowski is the clear beneficiary in light of this injury assuming it's confirmed that he has in fact torn his ACL. Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan should also see their value increase while Brandin Cooks may not see much change as he's primarily a deep threat.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (knee) was carted off the field during Friday night's preseason contest against the Detroit Lions.

Fantasy Impact

Edelman suffered a knee injury after catching a pass early in the first quarter of Friday night's preseason contest against the Lions. After coming up limping and grabbing the outside of his right knee, Edelman was carted into the locker room for further evaluations. If Edelman misses regular season time, expect Brandin Cooks to emerge as the Patriots' top wideout.

Julian Edelman is not expected to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, the Boston Herald reports.

Fantasy Impact

The is no need for Edelman to play in all the preseason games for the Patriots so sitting out the opener makes sense. The 31-year-old is coming off a 2016 season in which he caught 98 passes for 1,106 yards and three TDs in 16 games.