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Patriots gridiron news: Danny Amendola’s role increases with Edelman injury

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 14: Danny Amendola
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 14: Danny Amendola /
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With Julian Edelman out for the season, the New England Patriots will likely turn to Danny Amendola to help replace his production.

There is no one man who is going to be able to replace what Julian Edelman brings to the field.  However, the New England Patriots do have a receiver capable of doing some of the things Edelman did on the field.

Entering his fifth season with the Patriots, 31-year-old wide receiver Danny Amendola may have more emphasis put on him than he has since his first season with the team.  Not only has he developed a chemistry with Tom Brady, he is also valuable in the return game.

Most importantly, Amendola is entering the season the healthiest he has been.  A good sign for a Patriots’ offense adjusting to life without their most productive receiver.

"“I feel 24 (years old).  I feel really good, healthy and ready to go,” Amendola said, via The Boston Herald.  “I feel as good as I’ve ever felt.  I’m just trying to prepare as well as I can to get into the season feeling as good as I can.  It changes every year.  There’s always adversity to overcome.  I’m going to prepare myself the best I can for the season to come and whatever I can do to help my team win games.”"

If he stays healthy

With his durability always in question, Amendola has a chance to become a key contributor for the defending Super Bowl champions.  On a team still stacked with offensive weapons, the veteran slot receiver will have plenty of opportunity to help fill the void left by Edelman.

"“You can’t replace him,” Amendola said in reference to his good friend and teammate.  “he’s such a good player, a tough player, a good teammate.  It’s hard to replace a player like that.  We’ve got to come together as a unit and play good football.  That’s it.”"

Ironically, as a player who was brought in to replace Wes Welker, Danny Amendola now has a chance to be the primary slot outlet at the age of 31.  With the big plays he has made over the last couple of seasons, wouldn’t count him out as the key to the Patriots’ offense this season.

Related Story: Danny Amendola is New England’s Secret Weapon

Rex Burkhead, Matthew Slater return to practice

 With injuries starting to mount for the New England Patriots, the team did receive some good news on Monday.

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According to Patriots.com, running back Rex Burkhead and special teams captain Matthew Slater returned to the practice field.

For Slater, it marked the first time he stepped on the practice field since early in training camp.  The status of his health will affect some of the bubble players who may find a way onto the final 53-man roster on special teams.

Burkhead, who had a great showing in the team’s second preseason game, was absent all last week due to unknown reasons.  His return is also key due to the season-ending injury suffered by Julian Edelman.  With his versatility and ability to play slot, Burkhead could see more action in the team’s passing attack.

Patriots to donate up to $1 million for Hurricane Harvey relief

The city of Houston holds a special place in the hearts of the New England Patriots organization.

On Monday, owner Robert Kraft announced the team’s donation of up to $1 million to help the city and surrounding towns recover from the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

In collaboration with the Red Cross, the team is also working on a special site to accept donations.  In making the pledge and announcing the team’s efforts, Kraft recognized the city as “special” to the Patriots and his family.

Next: Patriots gridiron news: DL Adam Butler the preseason surprise of 2017

The team won two Super Bowls in Houston in 2004 and of course, this past February’s historic 34-28 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

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