Belichick 'disappointed' in Edelman's suspension, but has moved on

FOXBORO – It’s not ideal, but the Patriots will tackle the first quarter of their 2018 season without their best receiver. With Julian Edelman slated to serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substance policy, the time to turn the page is Thursday – the start of training camp.

The battle between the Patriots wide receiver group will be one to watch over the next month. With close to a dozen receivers vying for five spots [...]

FOXBORO – It’s not ideal, but the Patriots will tackle the first quarter of their 2018 season without their best receiver. With Julian Edelman slated to serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substance policy, the time to turn the page is Thursday – the start of training camp.

The battle between the Patriots wide receiver group will be one to watch over the next month. With close to a dozen receivers vying for five spots (give or take), this year’s position battle could be the best we’ve seen from the receiver position in years. On Wednesday, Bill Belichick commented on Edelman’s suspension for the first time.

“Well, Julian is a very hardworking player. We’re all disappointed but it is what it is,” Belichick said. “He’s moved on. We’ve moved on. Take what we have now and do the best we can with it. He’s been here the last couple of days. He has a good attitude, good work ethic. He’ll make the most of the opportunities he has, whatever those are.”

Edelman appealed the suspension, but that was ultimately denied earlier this summer. Now, it’s about how the Patriots will go about replacing Edelman. With Danny Amendola in Miami, the receiver position will look much different in the Patriots first four games again Houston, Jacksonville, Detroit and Miami.

The Patriots will move forward the next month with a group that includes Chris Hogan, Jordan Matthews, Cordarrelle Patterson, Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt, Braxton Berrios, Riley McCarron and Devin Lucien. Although Malcolm Mitchell is currently on the roster, it’s possible the Patriots move on from the once-promising receiver before training camp starts.