Patriots gridiron news: Julian Edelman relentless in rehab efforts

True to character, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is determined to recover from his torn ACL injury stronger than ever.

With all the questions surrounding the New England Patriots this offseason, one thing is certain.  The team will get back a very determined player in Julian Edelman.

After missing the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL, the relentless wide receiver is on his way back stronger than ever.  If there is any doubt of his determination and progress, Edelman shared a glimpse of his health on his personal Instagram account.

Take a look at this:

Julian Edelman suffered the ACL tear during a preseason game in late August.  While the team took an instant blow, the troops still gathered themselves to go 13-3 on the season and make another trip to the Super Bowl.

Still, fans could only wonder how the season would’ve turned out with a healthy Edelman.

One player who stepped up in Edelman’s absence was teammate and good pal Danny Amendola.  Prior to Super Bowl LII, Amendola expressed how much the team missed the leadership and on-the-field commitment of the man who has taken on the nickname “Minitron.”

"“I talk to him daily.  He’s a huge inspiration to me,” Amendola said, via WBZ.  “We’re competing all the time, whether we’re driving to work, or walking to the locker room, or playing paper rock scissors, or pingpong, whatever it is.  He’s a huge inspiration to me and all of our teammates.  He’s a leader and we miss the hell out of him.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

Amendola certainly did his best impersonation of Julian Edelman during important stretches of the season and into the playoffs.  But, there is no replacing one of Tom Brady’s most reliable and consistent weapons.

The team, fans and Edelman himself are going to be hyped to have No. 11 back on the field moving the chains for first downs..

Low-cost options in free agency

Jimmy Graham, Doug Martin and Tyler Eifert are some intriguing names on offense entering free agency.  With the Patriots looking to find the best value at the lowest cost possible, there will be some options out there.

With Julian Edelman returning, the offense doesn’t need much, unless Rob Gronkowski retires, Nate Solder does not return and the team loses both Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead in free agency.

If a combination of those things happens, the following players could fulfill some needs.

Next: Patriots gridiron news: Making a case for Doug Martin in New England

Tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Trey Burton, wide receiver Albert Wilson, running back Jeremy Hill and offensive linemen Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard.  Quarterback A.J. McCarron could be intriguing if the team doesn’t see a quarterback they like in the draft.