Report: Julian Edelman’s health has improved, should play vs. Bills

He was moving well at practice.

New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman may be on the mend. He is expected to play on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Patriots listed Edelman (knee/shoulder) as limited in all three practices this week — he was questionable for Week 16.

While he appeared hindered with injuries during Week 15, the Patriots have seen positive signs from him at practice, and he should be more effective than he was last week against the Cincinnati Bengals when he recorded just two receptions for six years.

Edelman leads the Patriots in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He has been, by far, the most influential offensive player not named Tom Brady.

“When he gets going, it’s good for all of us. Got to find ways to get him the ball, and he’s been doing a good job for us all year. He’ll need to do it this week,” Brady said during a press conference on Thursday. “He’s a pretty tough guy. He wants to be out there competing and playing, and I think everyone has a lot of respect for him for that. He’s a tough guy. Good to have him out there.”

The Patriots will kick off against the Bills at 4:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium on Saturday. If New England wins, it will lock up the AFC East.

[vertical-gallery id=76910]