NFL PLAYER NEWS

Patriots WR Edelman makes swift return to practice

The Sports Xchange

December 11, 2015 at 1:38 pm.

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs the ball against Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Redskins 27-10. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs the ball against Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Redskins 27-10. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman participated in practice on Friday, less than four weeks after breaking his left foot.

Edelman underwent surgery to repair the break and the recovery timeline had him in jeopardy of missing the rest of the regular season. The outlook has improved with Friday’s development.

“It’s always good to be out there with your teammates and staff and put the cleats on and run around,” Edelman told reporters afterward.

Edelman has missed the past three games but still leads the Patriots with 61 receptions for 692 yards and seven touchdowns.

He’s itching to play but also wary of putting excess stress of the foot too soon.

“I’d like to be back as soon as I can,” said Edelman, “but doing it safely and smart and just trying to improve each day.”

Tight end Rob Gronkowski practiced for the second straight day as he aims to return from a knee injury suffered against the Denver Broncos on Nov. 29.

“I’m doing everything I can to get better every single day, and it feels good to be back with my teammates – just mentally and physically to be back with them out on the practice field,” Gronkowski told reporters.