Receiver Danny Amendola remained home in Foxborough, not making the trip to Detroit. Amendola has been hobbled, but it is not known if his injury is to his ankle or foot. A source previously said that the Patriots don’t have long-term concerns with Amendola and he is fully expected to be ready to go Sept. 8 when the Patriots visit the Bills in the regular-season opener. In Amendola’s place, fifth-year receiver Julian Edelman played every snap in the first half except for a fourth-down, short-yardage run. He had three catches for 18 yards.
Edelman has been playing as Amdendola's direct backup, so owners who use a 4th round pick on Amendola on draft day may want to draft Edelman in the final rounds as a handcuff. This injury is a reminder of his overall fragility.