New England wide receiver Julian Edelman admits he is sore but not concerned after catching 10 passes for 100 yards in Saturday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs that sent the Patriots to their fifth straight AFC title game.
Edelman was seen heading to the X-ray room after the 27-20 AFC divisional-round playoff victory, but there was no indication he would be in trouble for the title game against either the Denver Broncos or Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Everyone’s sore,” said Edelman, who was playing for the first time since breaking a bone in his left foot on Nov. 15. “I finished the game and feel good enough to get ready to prepare for next week.”
When asked if he needed X-rays after the game, Edelman said no, according to ESPN.com. When asked to clarify if he had X-rays, Edelman said that players couldn’t discuss injuries.
Edelman said he was nervous but excited in his return to the playoff game after a long absence.
“I was like a kid waiting to open up presents on Christmas or Hanukkah,” Edelman said.
Edelman was on the field for 52 of 59 offensive snaps and quarterback Tom Brady targeted him a team-high 16 times.
“I know the offense and Tom knows me,” Edelman said.
Brady, seeking his seventh Super Bowl trip and fifth title, threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score.
“I think he’s worked his tail off,” Brady said of Edelman. “He’s always been one of the hardest workers — one of the hardest workers I’ve ever played with, one of the most determined young men that’s on this team. And he’s got as much heart as anybody. It’s a serious injury to come back from, and to play the way that he did today was great.”