Julian Edelman, Sam Bradford top Week 10 injury report

Sunday’s NFL action featured a relatively short list of key injuries, but there was particularly unkind news for New England Patriots fans. Wide receiver Julian Edelman suffered a Jones fracture of his left foot that is likely to keep him out for the rest of the regular season.

Edelman suffered the injury late in the first quarter of the Patriots’ thrilling 27-26 win over the Giants on a tackle by Jasper Brinkley. Edelman took in a Tom Brady pass, and as he turned upfield his right ankle was pinned under Brinkley’s body as he fell to the ground. More alarming, his left foot landed awkwardly and was the main source of concern on the New England sideline. Edelman did not return to play, and he left MetLife Stadium on crutches and in a walking boot. Shortly after that he was diagnosed with a Jones fracture.

A Jones fracture -- made famous earlier this year when Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant suffered the same injury -- is a break in the fifth metatarsal of the foot, the bone that spans the area between the base of the foot and the little toe. One issue that makes healing of this type of fracture particularly tricky is that the fracture occurs at an area that does not have significant blood supply. This is one reason that many athletes undergo surgery to ensure proper reunion of the bone and a speedier recovery. If Edelman does opt for surgery, the recovery time is typically 6-8 weeks, putting him on course for a possible return during the Patriots’ playoff run.

Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford left in the third quarter of Philadelphia’s loss to Miami Sunday with a second degree sprain of the left shoulder (non-throwing) AC joint, as well as a concussion on the same play. Bradford was hit by hard-charging Dolphins linebacker Chris McClain and fell hard on the affected shoulder and then head. As he walked off the field, he was in clear pain and unable to move the left arm.

An injury to AC joint, which is where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the shoulder blade, tends not to affect function but can be extremely painful. A Grade 2 sprain can take up to several weeks for a full recovery, meaning full pain control and range of motion of the joint. With a concussion on top of the shoulder sprain, Bradford will be monitored closely this week before the Eagles make a decision on his status for next week against the Bucs.

In addition to Bradford, running back Ryan Mathews will have to go through the NFL concussion protocol this week after suffering a head injury against the Dolphins.

The Titans lost wide receiver Justin Hunter for the season after suffering a fractured ankle in the team’s loss to Carolina. Hunter was engaged as a blocker when running back Dexter McCluster was tackled into the back of Hunter’s right leg, bending the lower leg awkwardly.

Hunter was removed from the field on a cart with the right leg immobilized in an air cast, and the diagnosis was made following a series of X-rays. Hunter will undergo season-ending surgery, but he should be fully recovered in time for Tennessee’s training camp next season.

It was revealed Monday morning that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is dealing with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot. He suffered the injury prior to this week, but was trying to play through it during Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs.