Julian Edelman: Patriots QB Tom Brady ‘looks great' entering 20th NFL season

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FOXBORO, Mass. -- New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hasn't played a ton of real football since his team won Super Bowl LIII back in February. Neither has Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Edelman missed most of training camp and the preseason recovering from a broken thumb. The 33-year-old veteran made his preseason debut last week against the New York Giants, but he played just a few snaps during the game's opening drive before departing. 

Brady only appeared in the Patriots' third preseason game versus the Carolina Panthers. He played three series and then exited.

Patriots fans are looking forward to seeing Edelman and Brady back on the field together for the first time since their Super Bowl LIII triumph over the Los Angeles Rams. Fans will be happy to learn Brady looks as good as ever entering his 20th NFL season at age 42. 

“He looks like Tom Brady,” Edelman said after Friday's practice. “It’s a testament to how hard he works, not only during the season but in the offseason. How he takes care of himself. He looks great. You’d have to ask (offensive coordinator) Josh (McDaniels) more, but catching the ball from him, he looks like Tom Brady. I’m more focused on how I’m gonna look, but Tom looks good.” 

Edelman admitted Friday that he was happy to get in some preseason action before the regular season kicks off Sunday night when the Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium.

"It was awesome," Edelman said. "Anytime you go out and you get to compete with your team and get hit, that's what you look forward to. That was then, and now we're looking forward to the Pittsburgh Steelers and seeing what they're gonna do."

The lack of preseason reps isn't the most ideal scenario for a player working his way back from an injury, but Edelman does have multiple weeks of practice under his belt.

“We did have a good amount of practice reps,” Edelman said. “You also take mental reps. Nothing comes easy, and any time you have to go out there and perform, you definitely have to had prepared well, and I think that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Edelman isn't the only veteran wide receiver to return to the Patriots over the last few weeks. Demaryius Thomas (Achilles) and Josh Gordon (suspension) are back in the fold, too. If all three of them are able to stay healthy throughout the season, the Patriots passing attack could be the toughest to defend in the league.

Edelman: Having Josh Gordon back 'is unbelievable'>>>

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