As the playoffs approaches, it is likely that reigning Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots will get a key offensive player back as wide receiver Julian Edelman is looking to return during the Divisional Playoffs. 

Edelman has been out since early November after suffering a foot injury.  

But according to ESPN, Edelman is "on track to return" from the injury when the Patriots play their Divisional Playoff game. 

The sports news outlet also reported that Edelman was not with the team when it hit the road for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, which New England surprisingly lost (20–10), and was working out at Gillette Stadium. 

Before being sidelined, the 29-year-old wide receiver was the leading receiver for the Pats who went 9–0 with him in the lineup, but suffered inconsistencies when he went down. 

In nine games played in the regular season, Edelman has 61 receptions for 692 yards and seven touchdowns. 

If Edelman returns for New England in the divisional playoff round, it will be a huge help for the team which ended second in the American Football Conference (AFC) following the loss to Miami. 

The Patriots entered the season looking poised to defend their title but with all the setbacks they faced and are currently dealing with, it seems like the goal of reaching the Super Bowl just got harder for them. 

After falling to the Dolphins, Patriots' franchise quarterback Tom Brady remained positive and said in another report by ESPN that the past weeks did not matter; what matters is the way they play in two weeks. 

If the Patriots are going to make a run for a second consecutive championship, they will need all available key players they can have and Edelman is one of those guys. 

The Patriots now will have a short break to prepare and are set to see action mid-January to continue their Super Bowl chase.