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In a development of some interest to fantasy-football owners, Julian Edelman underwent surgery on his left foot this offseason and is on track to return in time for training camp.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss, Edelman recently was spotted in New York City with a "big boot" on his foot, riding a motorized device to get around, while spending time with Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola and former Patriots running back Shane Vereen.

His most recent foot surgery, the second on his left foot within the past year, was considered a "cleanup procedure" that is not expected to impact his 2016 regular season.

Edelman initially broke his left foot in November against the Giants, underwent surgery at that time to have a screw inserted in his foot and missed the rest of the regular season. He returned for the playoffs, but knew that a second foot surgery was possible all along.

As NFL.com noted, Edelman's health is a huge X-factor for the Patriots' offense. He missed seven games in 2012 with a foot injury and two games in 2014. New England has better depth than usual at the position with Edelman, Amendola, Chris Hogan, Keshawn Martin, Aaron Dobson and Nate Washington. The team also selected Georgia receiver Malcolm Mitchell in the fourth round (112th overall).

Hogan could wind up being a bigger factor early in the season if Edelman is not back to full strength.

But Edelman, with 258 catches over the last three seasons, is a vital piece of the offense.

So, as Profootballtalk.com suggested, getting him healthy and on the same page with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo through camp and the preseason figures to be important this season with quarterback Tom Brady facing a four-game suspension to start the year.

We'll follow up as needed in coming weeks.