Edelman returns to practice after starting Patriots camp on PUP list

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was back on the practice field Sunday after spending over a week of training camp on the physically unable to perform list, according to multiple reports.

Edelman, who missed seven games last year while recovering from foot surgery, was forced to undergo a second procedure this offseason.

It had been unclear whether the latest surgery was going to sideline him throughout camp and preseason action, so his return comes slightly earlier than many had expected.

Though suiting up for preseason contests is certainly a possibility, it's safe to assume that Edelman will be brought along slowly with an eye on being 100 percent for Week 1.

His impact will be all the more crucial early in the season as New England looks to put Jimmy Garoppolo in the best possible position to succeed during Tom Brady's suspension.

Now entering his eighth season, Edelman remains one of the NFL's premier route-runners. Again working alongside Rob Gronkowski as a top target for New England's sixth-ranked offense last season, the 30-year-old hauled in 61 receptions for 692 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games.