Patriots Gridiron News 10/14: Julian Edelman Cautious of Bengals

New England Patriots Julian Edelman is not looking past his team’s Week 6 opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Yes, Tom Brady is back and so is the New England Patriots offense. But the team is weary of the challenges the Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary presents. Wide receiver Julian Edelman is one player on high alert when it comes to Cincinnati’s defense.

"“You see a team that does a lot of stuff on third down,” Edelman said via the Providence Journal. “They’ve got a really good front. They’ve got a secondary that’s been together a really long time. They’ve got a couple new guys in the safety area, but they play very similar to the other guys they had the previous years. They play hard. They play tough. They come down to hit you. They’re a good defense.”"

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While the Bengals as a team are struggling, Edelman knows the talent they have on defense can present some problems. Cincinnati’s defense gave up 28 points to rookie Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys a week ago. What the Patriots can throw at could continue those struggles.

Besides, the last time the Patriots aced the Bengals, Edelman and the Patriots exploded for 43 points. But that was then, this is now according to Edelman.

"“I wouldn’t say that,” Edelman said when asked if there was anything to take from the 2014 meeting. “There’s always new players, but each year is a new year. Each team is a different team. That’s why you go out and play the game and see how different they really are.”"

Injury report: Running back Brandon Bolden (knee) and linebacker Jonathan Freeny were absent from practice once again on Thursday. That means both players will more than likely be ruled out for Sunday’s game.

A surprise addition to the injury list Thursday was Jamie Collins. The talented linebacker was listed as limited due to a hip injury. While he wasn’t listed on Wednesday’s injury report, it is quite possible the injury occurred during Wednesday’s session.

Other notables on the limited participation list are Martellus Bennett (ankle), Julian Edelman (foot), Rob Gronkowski (hamstring), Malcolm Mitchell (hamstring) and Dont’a Hightower (Knee). All of those players are expected to play on Sunday.

On a good note, guard Shaq Mason returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s practice due to a non-injury issue.

Tom Brady and the Pro Bowl: According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, Tom Brady’s #DeflateGate suspension does not qualify him from participating in the Pro Bowl. The league differentiated Brady’s suspension from players suspended for PED use in that he wouldn’t by disqualified.

While Brady is unlikely to play in the game, fans can vote for the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback at NFL.com as voting is now underway. If Brady simulates his Week 5 performance throughout the season, he will surely earn a selection despite being voted as one of the NFL’s most hated players (outside of New England).

Next: Boston Celtics to Watch: Small Forward Jae Crowder

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