Patriots WR Julian Edelman has foot surgery, likely OK for camp

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman underwent surgery on his left foot this offseason and is on track to return in time for training camp, per league sources.

Edelman recently was spotted in New York City with a "big boot" on his foot, riding a motorized device to get around, while spending time with Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola and former Patriots running back Shane Vereen. His most recent foot surgery, the second on his left foot within the past year, was considered a "cleanup procedure" that is not expected to impact his 2016 regular season.

Edelman initially broke his left foot in November against the Giants, underwent surgery at that time to have a screw inserted in his foot and missed the rest of the regular season. He returned for the playoffs, but knew that a second foot surgery was possible all along.

Edelman returns as the Patriots' top receiver in 2016, with veteran Danny Amendola and free-agent Chris Hogan (Bills) joining him atop the depth chart. The team also selected Georgia receiver Malcolm Mitchell in the fourth round (112th overall), and has a group of players including veteran Nate Washington competing for a possible fifth spot at the position.