According to NESN's Doug Kyed, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman made a surprising return to practice today.After suffering a Jones fracture in his left foot in the first quarter of the team's Week 10 win over the New York Giants, Edelman had underwent surgery to fix the injury so that he could return to the field at some point this season.

Apparently, that return started today, as the 5-foot-10 slot receiver was seen warming up with his teammates prior to their final practice of the week. According to the report, he was jogging gingerly on the foot though he didn't have a brace on it.

It's extremely unrealistic to think that the seventh year pro will return for this week's game at Houston on Sunday night.

His original time table to return to game action was set for their first playoff matchup. Due to the fact that New England is in position to claim one of the two first round byes in the AFC, it appeared he would get an extra week as well as their first game would not come until the divisional round.

So while he's not an option this week, his quick return could mean that tough, scrappy wide out may be able to return in a limited or full role before the regular season ends.

Edelman's return helped the Patriots achieve perfect attendance at practice as tight end Rob Gornkowski, who missed last week's loss to the Eagles and the end of the team's loss two weeks ago in Denver with a knee injury, returned to practice yesterday and participated today as well. Gronkowski will likely be a game time decision for this Sunday.

 

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