Report: Julian Edelman played with partially torn rib cartilage in 2019

The Patriots receiver is a tough son of a gun.

New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman played the majority of the 2019 season with torn cartilage, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Edelman, 33, suffered the rib injury in Week 3 against the New York Jets — he left the game and did not return. Even though the injury might typically hold a receiver out of action, Edelman played in every game in 2019, with 16 starts. He was listed in the injury report with a chest injury from Week 3 through Week 9. He also dealt with a shoulder and knee injury. Both injuries will require surgery this offseason.

Edelman finished with 100 receptions (fifth-most in the NFL) for a career-best 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.

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