Julian Edelman tracker: Here’s how the wide receiver performed in his return

Wide receiver Julian Edelman made his return to regular-season action Thursday, catching a pass on the Patriots’ first snap to begin a game-opening touchdown drive. Edelman missed the first four games of the regular season due to a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. He also missed the entirety of the 2017 season due to a torn ACL.

Here’s a log of his key plays against the Colts Thursday:

First quarter, first play

: 9-yard reception over the middle

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1048007336734810112

First quarter, 12:30 left: 13-yard reception over the middle

First quarter, 9:40 left: 6-yard pass to bring Patriots to Colts’ 1-yard line. Patriots score on the next play.

First quarter, 7:27 left: Returns punt 15 yards to Colts’ 49.

First quarter, 6:21 left: On third and 5, Tom Brady targeted a wide-open Edelman deep, but Edelman dropped it and New England had to punt. The Colts took over at their own 6-yard line.

Second quarter, 5:36 left: Fields a Colts punt at the 37, but has a decent return negated by a penalty.

Halftime stats: 3 catches on 4 targets, 28 yards

Third quarter, 12:42 left: Short pass from Brady to Edelman for 3 yards on first down. But Patriots go nowhere.

Third quarter, 9:09 left: Picks up 5 yards on a pass to the middle.

Third quarter, 4:24 left: Brady to Edelman over the middle nets 13 yards and puts the Patriots at the Colts’ 34.

Fourth quarter, 10:06 left: A 7-yard pickup on a slant toward the sideline.

Final stats: 7 receptions on 9 targets for 57 yards. Played 50 of 71 snaps and served as primary punt returner.