The New England Patriots were able to capture an AFC Championship last season without the help of an injured Julian Edelman.

As it appears, they may have to kick off the 2018 season without him as well. This time, due to a potential four game suspension.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday afternoon via Twitter that the Patriots' WR will face the suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy. Presently, it has not been revealed what Edelman may have tested positive for.

According to the report, which was updated further by ESPN on Thursday, that Edelman is currently appealing the suspension -- noting he has "taken hundreds of tests" and has never tested positive. History tells us that it will be an uphill climb, although Richard Sherman won his appeal back in 2012.

If the suspension sticks, Edelman will miss games against Houston, in Jacksonville, in Detroit and home against Miami. He will also lose out on over $470,000 of his salary.

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