Julian Edelman Image by Getty Images

(Reuters) – New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman tore the ACL in his right knee during Friday’s preseason win over the Detroit Lions and will be out for the rest of the season, the team confirmed Saturday.

Edelman was injured on the team’s first drive. He left the game with three catches and 52 yards.

The nine-year veteran out of Kent State had a step on linebacker Jarrad Davis and caught the ball at Detroit’s 29-yard line. Edelman turned upfield and planted his right foot into the turf before immediately reaching to the back of his right knee.

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Edelman was able to limp off the field before being taken by cart to the locker room. He did not return to the contest.

New England has a bevy of wide receivers, although Edelman has been Tom Brady’s most frequent target over the last four years. Edelman has reeled in 356 receptions for 3,826 yards and 20 touchdowns in that span.

The 31-year-old Edelman, who signed a two-year contract extension in the offseason, had team highs in catches (98) and receiving yards (1,106) last season.

Edelman’s most important catch — in the eyes of Patriots fans — was his shoestring reception that kept the team’s comeback bid alive in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons.

Edelman is considered one of the greatest Jewish football players of all time.

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