Patriots' Julian Edelman practices in pads for first time since injury

The New England Patriots will be without LeGarrette Blount and Dominique Easley for the remainder of the season, but it appears as though they'll get their top receiver back fairly soon. Julian Edelman reportedly took part in his first padded practice on Wednesday, the first time he's done so since suffering a broken foot in Week 10 against the New York Giants.

According to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, Edelman looked "crisp and quick" at practice, and even ran routes. Here's footage of him going through drills, courtesy of NESN's Doug Kyed.

Dez Bryant suffered a similar injury and was able to return six weeks after breaking his foot. That timeline -- albeit, no injury is the same -- would put Edelman on track to return some time around Week 16. Of course, the circumstances are very different and players heal differently, but it looks like Edelman should be back for the playoffs, as expected.

Despite missing the past four games, Edelman is still second on the team in receptions and receiving yards, as well as touchdown catches.