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The New England Patriots will be without wide receiver Julian Edelman when the two clubs meet in Week 4 of the 2018 NFL season. Edelman, who was suspended for four games due to a violation of the league’s performance enhancing drug policy, had his appeal denied on Tuesday, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The result ensures the Patriots will be without Edelman in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, then at the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 2 and at the Detroit Lions in Week 3 on Sunday Night Football before hosting the Dolphins in Week 4. He will return for the team’s Week 5 Thursday Night Football game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Patriots’ WR Julian Edelman’s appeal was denied today, per source. His four-game suspension stands.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 3, 2018
Edelman caught 98 passes for 1,106 yards with three touchdowns in 2017. New England currently has Braxton Berrios, Jordan Matthews, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kenny Britt, Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Hogan, Matthew Slater, Riley McCarron, Cody Hollister, and Phillip Dorsett on the roster along with Edelman.