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The New England Patriots need a win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 to secure a first round bye, but they do not seem too concerned with their opponent. Wide receiver Julian Edelman, who has been banged up for much of the season, was not on the field to open the game. Beat writer Ben Volin reported that Mohamed Sanu, N’Keal Harry, and Phillip Dorsett were the team’s starting trio on the opening drive. Edelman came on for the third down play, per Zack Cox.
If the Dolphins give the Patriots trouble, Edelman might get into the game more. For the time being, they seem more concerned getting him ready for the playoffs. If they get a bye and Edelman plays limited reps this week, that would be a big stretch of recovery heading into their divisional round matchup.
He entered the day listed as questionable due to knee and shoulder injuries. He has yet to miss a game this season, but he has regularly been limited in practice this season and questionable on the injury report.