ESPN's Mike Reiss relays that "optimism remains high" with regard to the "availability and projected effectiveness" of Edelman (foot) for Saturday's divisional-round playoff game against the Chiefs.

ESPN's Mike Reiss relays that "optimism remains high" with regard to the "availability and projected effectiveness" of Edelman (foot) for Saturday's divisional-round playoff game against the Chiefs.

Analysis:

Prior to suffering a broken bone in his left foot on Nov. 15, Edelman had played 87.3 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps. While the report suggests that it's "probably asking (Edelman) too much to match that total in his return, but if he hits somewhere around 70 percent, that would still be a big boost." Assuming no setbacks as the week rolls along, Edelman is thus in line to return to his starting role in the Patriots offense, bolstering a passing attack that also features TE Rob Gronkowski, RB James White and fellow wideouts Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola.