The Facts: Amendola is recovering from a pair of offseason surgeries that may impact the start of his 2016 season. Amendola underwent surgery to repair the left knee that gave him considerable trouble late last season, and he also had to remove a bone spur in his ankle, according to a source. Both surgeries occurred early this offseason.
Diehards Line:
The timeline is still a concern because it’s far too early to know when Amendola will return at full strength, and the Patriots will not rush him back to the field until he is ready. There is hope Amendola will be ready in time for training camp, which begins July 27, but there’s no guarantee the 30-year-old will even be good to go for Week 1. ... Amendola restructured his contract earlier this month to remain with the Patriots. But this news helps to explain why the Patriots loaded up on receivers this offseason. They signed veterans Chris Hogan and Nate Washington in March and drafted Malcolm Mitchell (fourth round) and Devin Lucien (seventh round) last month. The Pats also added tight ends Martellus Bennett and Clay Harbor to boost the core of pass catchers. But Amendola’s recovery further thins the top of the depth chart, as Julian Edelman recently had surgery to repair a small crack in his left foot, which he originally broke last season in Week 10. Sources have maintained Edelman will be ready for training camp. ... Stay tuned.