The defending champs suffered a big blow this weekend.
The Patriots will have to defend their Super Bowl title without leading receiver Julian Edelman, who suffered a torn ACL in Friday night's preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
The team announced the news Saturday afternoon.
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Edelman, who was injured on New England's opening possession, was Tom Brady's favorite target last season. He caught 98 passes for 1,106 yards and three touchdowns.
"We've got great chemistry together, and he's an incredible player. But someone will have to step up," Brady said after the game, according to The Associated Press.
Edelman is from Redwood City and spent one season at the College of San Mateo before transferring to Kent State.
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