Tom Brady might be without one of his favorite targets for the first four weeks of the NFL season.
According to ESPN, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is reportedly facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances. The suspension is currently under appeal as Edelman has taken "hundreds of tests" and has not tested positive before, according to the report.
Edelman, 32, missed the entire 2017 season due to an ACL tear, but has been a participant in the team's offseason programs, OTAs and training camp thus far. The 10-year veteran would reportedly give up $470,588.20 in base salary if the four-game ban stands.
If that is indeed the case, the Patriots will be without one of their best offensive weapons for games against the Houston Texans, at the Jacksonville Jaguars, at the Detroit Lions and against the Miami Dolphins. Edelman would be eligible to return to the lineup for New England's Thursday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.