Dez Bryant

After he slammed his helmet to the turf in frustration and spent considerable time on the Patriots' bench with trainers, Julian Edelman walked from the sideline to the locker room Sunday, and did so without a noticeable limp.

Hours later, though, Edelman found himself in a boot and on crutches with a reported Jones fracture. He will undergo surgery Monday, according to multiple reports.

This is the same injury that Dez Bryant suffered earlier in the season. Here was Bryant's timeline:

Sept. 14—Dez Bryant has surgery

Oct. 15—Bryant returns for on-field conditioning

Oct. 28—Bryant returns to practice in limited capacity

Nov. 1—Bryant plays versus Seattle

So, essentially, this was a six-week injury for Bryant. For Edelman, six weeks out would put him in play for Week 16 or 17. If the Patriots earn a first-round bye, their first playoff game would be either January 15 or 16 -- eight weeks out of surgery for Edelman.

If the Pats keep up this pace, they won't have much to play for Weeks 16 or 17, and it would be hard to imagine they risk playing Edelman those weeks especially if they consider sitting their other stars. A chance to play for a perfect season could maybe be a factor. Edelman's timeline seems to indicate he'll be ready for the NFL playoffs. Edelman's status for the rest of the fantasy regular season and fantasy playoffs is very much in doubt at this point, though.