FOXBORO -- Julian Edelman is arguably the most important offensive player on the Patriots outside of quarterback Tom Brady. As such, any time he unexpectedly pops up on an injury report, it's worth taking note.
Edelman was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice with a foot injury. It's the first time he's been limited in practice through four weeks of the regular season. He was full participant in Wednesday's practice.
It's unclear as to whether or not Edelman suffered some type of setback during Thursday's session that made him a limited participant or if the Patriots simply lightened his practice workload in order to preserve his health. Edelman's participation level in Friday's practice will be worth tracking in order to have a better sense of his availability for Sunday.
Edelman has had his left foot surgically repaired on two separate occasions. He was operated on first after suffering a Jones fracture against the Giants in Week 10 of last season. He was operated on again this offseason and missed OTAs and minicamp. Edelman returned for training camp and though he aggravated his foot injury during a joint practice with the Saints, he was healthy to start the regular season.
Four Patriots were missing from Thursday's practice, including tackle Marcus Cannon (calf), running back Brandon Bolden (knee), defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (back) and linebacker Shea McClellin (concussion).
Here's Thursday's practice participation and injury report for Sunday's Patriots-Browns game:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
New England Patriots
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
RB Brandon Bolden (knee)
OT Marcus Cannon (calf)
LB Shea McClellin (concussion)
DL Vincent Valentine (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
RB LeGarratte Blount (hip)
QB Jacoby Brissett (right thumb)
WR Julian Edelman (foot)
LB Jonathan Freeny (shoulder)
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (right shoulder)
TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring)
LB Dont'a Hightower (knee)
OL Joe Thuney (shoulder)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
WR Corey Coleman (hand)
TE Seth DeValve (knee)
C Cameron Erving (chest/lung)
QN Josh McCown (left shoulder)
C Austin Reiter (knee)
TE Randall Teffer (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
S Ibraheim Campbell (hamstring)
DE Carl Nassib (hand)
CB Tramon Williams (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION
CB Joe Haden (groin/thigh)
WR Andrew Hawkins (calf)
T Joe Thomas (not injury related)