The New England Patriots are concerned Julian Edelman tore his ACL but have yet to determine the severity of his knee injury incurred during Friday's preseason game against the Detroit Lions, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Edelman will undergo an MRI on the weekend to determine the extent of his injury.
The veteran wide receiver suffered the ailment during the first quarter as his knee bent awkwardly while planting, trying to avoid contact from Lions safety Tavon Wilson.
Edelman grabbed his knee and limped off the field, before being placed on a cart by the Patriots' medical staff.
Prior to leaving the game, Edelman caught three passes for 52 yards.
Edelman has been a central component of the Patriots' success, playing a major role in the team's Super Bowl victories in 2014 and 2016. The veteran wide receiver entered NFL lore with an outstanding catch during the second half of Super Bowl LI, helping the Patriots rally from a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime.
Edelman caught 98 passes for 1,106 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. If Edelman misses the entire season with a torn ACL, it would be a devastating loss for the defending champions. Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola would all be vying for increased snaps as a result.
